Properties of cryogenic and low temperature composite materials - A review

This paper reviews the literature published since 1994 related to the behaviour of composite materials at low and cryogenic temperatures. The material properties addressed are: tensile, compressive and shear strength, elastic modulus and stress-strain behaviour; mechanical and thermal fatigue response; fracture toughness; impact resistance; thermal expansion and thermal conductivity; tribology and wear; permeability. The underlying physical principles responsible for the behaviour at cold temperatures are also discussed. Finally, the challenges related to cryogenic experimental testing are introduced.