Plastics and Composite Materials

TL;DR

This paper reviews the key properties, classifications, and applications of polymers and composite materials in accelerator and detector technology, emphasizing their roles under demanding conditions.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of polymeric and composite materials, including case studies from CERN, highlighting opportunities and challenges in material selection for accelerators.

Findings

Polymers and composites are vital for insulation, support, and thermal management in accelerators.

Material properties must be optimized for long-term reliability under cryogenic and high-radiation conditions.

CERN case studies demonstrate practical applications and challenges in material selection.

Abstract

Polymers and composite materials play an essential role in accelerator and detectors technology, with varying roles that range from electrical insulation and structural support to thermal management. This paper provides a general review of their key properties and classifications, including behaviour under demanding service conditions such as cryogenic operation and high radiation exposure. The paper addresses polymeric materials - their mechanical, thermal, and viscoelastic behaviour, and the effects of crystallinity and additives - alongside composite families, focusing on the characteristics of the matrix and the types of reinforcement. CERN case studies illustrate how both polymers and composites present opportunities and challenges in material selection. Examples include adhesives and structural composites for detectors, reinforced alloys for collimators, and insulation for Nb$_3$Sn superconducting magnets, all emphasising the need to optimise material properties and interfaces to ensure the long-term reliability of components in accelerator facilities.