Everwide newsletter No.484

Experiment § Development of Cryogenic Filament Winding Epoxy Resin Systems

With the rapid growth of cryogenic applications such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquid oxygen, and aerospace, composite materials are required not only to provide a high strength-to-weight ratio but also to maintain excellent toughness and structural stability under cryogenic conditions. To meet the requirements of the filament winding (FW) process, our company has developed three cryogenic epoxy resin systems—T0, T50, and T150 (Fig. 1). These systems are designed with different glass transition temperatures (Tg = 0, 50, and 150°C, respectively), offering a balance of low viscosity, viscosity stability, and cryogenic performance to satisfy composite manufacturing requirements. To evaluate the impact resistance of these materials under cryogenic conditions, carbon fiber composite specimens formulated with the three different Tg systems were cooled to approximately −180°C before undergoing a drop-weight impact test (Figs. 2 and 3). The test results showed that T50 exhibited superior impact resistance under the test conditions. No obvious cracks or fractures were observed after impact; only slight localized whitening appeared on the back surface of the specimen (Fig. 4), indicating excellent energy absorption capability and cryogenic toughness. The development and preliminary performance verification of this epoxy resin series have been completed. Future work will continue to expand validation in cryogenic mechanical properties, pressure vessel applications, and filament winding processes.

 Author: Mr. Kuan-Ju Tu

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About Us § The 4th Everwide Chemistry Camp

Every July, Everwide invites employees' children and students from nearby schools to participate in our three-day Chemistry Camp. Each year features different experimental themes. This year's program began with a water electrolysis experiment, allowing participants to observe the generation of hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. This was followed by a Periodic Table block-building competition, encouraging observation and logical thinking through hands-on activities. The curriculum progressed from basic to advanced concepts, introducing students to flame tests, the life of Michael Faraday, and the Periodic Table, helping them build a solid foundation in chemistry. Participants also explored scientific principles found in everyday life through liquid nitrogen experiments and surface tension experiments. The camp concluded with visits to the Resin Workshop and an Instrument Exploration session, where students gained first-hand exposure to materials science and laboratory equipment, bridging classroom learning with real-world industrial applications.

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Knowledge § Three Stages of Polymer Creep (2)

After the initial stage of strain hardening, the rate of deformation gradually decreases to a certain level, and polymer creep enters the secondary stage. During this stage, the deformation rate remains constant, indicating a dynamic equilibrium between the factors that slow deformation and those that accelerate it. The former can be attributed to polymer chain entanglement, while the latter is represented by molecular chain rearrangement, which gradually releases these entanglements. This stage can be described by specific equations that relate the creep strain rate to stress and temperature. Furthermore, the strain rate can be used to predict the amount of deformation over a given period. As a result, the secondary stage is the most extensively studied and significant stage of polymer creep.

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Living § Philosophical Wisdom in the I Ching

When I was young, my father's bookshelf was like a mysterious treasure chest filled with ancient books. Although I did not develop a passion for reading at the time, his curiosity and love of learning gradually influenced me. During my junior college years, I became interested in Zi Wei Dou Shu and name analysis, gaining a basic understanding of the Five Elements, stroke analysis, and birth charts. It was not until last year that I encountered the I Ching and began exploring its wisdom. I read books, watched tutorials, and practiced divination with chopsticks. Through this process, I realized that the I Ching is not simply a method of fortune-telling, but a philosophy derived from observing changes in nature and life. What truly fascinated me was how the hexagrams sometimes reflected my inner thoughts and current situations with surprising accuracy. This reminded me of Carl Jung’s concept of synchronicity, challenging my previous perception of divination as mere superstition. Today, I no longer use the I Ching to seek good fortune, but as a way to pause, reflect, and have a conversation with myself.         Author: Ms. Yi-Chun Lin

Thriving  means working hard.   Editor: Chan,Si-man Layout:  Chan,Si-man    E-mail：service@everwide.com.tw