Cryogenics
Apiezon N Grease and Cryogenics
Apiezon N grease is one of today's most widely used vacuum greases within the field of cryogenics. This is because N grease is specially formulated to exhibit craze-free performance characteristics at low temperatures and withstand frequent cycling between temperatures of -273°C and + 30°C.
Apiezon N grease is favoured because it does not suffer from the problem of creep, traditionally associated with indium. Its ability to fill the micro pores between adjacent surfaces improves thermal transfer across the whole surface area.
As a thermal coupling medium, Apiezon N grease is important for any system which is required to reach cryogenic temperatures quickly, such as coupling cooling systems to superconducting magnets, cryostats or temperature sensors. Low levels of magnetic susceptibility also make it ideal for certain superconductor manufacturing applications.
Apiezon N grease is also ideal for sensor mounting, pliable at room temperature; it solidifies at cryogenic temperatures to allow for easy mounting and removal of sensors without causing damage. Apiezon N grease is used to improve thermal contact between the sample and sample boat or the sample boat and cold finger of a cryostat. This ensures that samples are at the lowest possible temperatures to improve test sensitivities.
To achieve the best possible vacuum, low vapour pressures are imperative for any vacuum sealing medium. Apiezon N grease exhibits extremely low vapour pressures at ambient temperatures, which are further improved by reductions in temperature to the cryogenic region.
Apiezon N grease is widely used to ensure vacuum tight seals in vacuum lines, cold traps, and optical parts on electron microscopes, ground glass joints, stopcocks, taps, Schlenk lines and liquid helium hoses. It can also be used to improve o-ring seals.
Benefits of Apiezon N Grease for Cryogenics
- Withstands thermal cycling between temperatures of -273°C and + 30°C
- Increases thermal conductivity at liquid helium temperatures
- Craze free performance
- Silicone-free, highly creep resistant
- Cost effective
- Easy to use and remove
- 10 year shelf life
