Copper coated carbon fiber reinforced plastics for high and ultra high vacuum applications

We have used copper-coated carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CuCFRP) for the construction of high and ultra-high vacuum chambers. The vacuum performance is found to be comparable to typical stainless steel used for this purpose. In test chambers we have reached pressures of 2 × 10−8 mbar and measured a desorption rate of 1 × 10−11 mbar l/s m2; no degradation over time (2 years) has been found. Suitability for baking has been found to depend on the CFRP production process, presumably on the temperature of the autoclave curing. Together with other unique properties of CuCFRP such as low weight and being nearly non-magnetic, this makes it an ideal material for many high-end vacuum applications. •Copper coated carbon reinforced fiber was tested for vacuum properties.•Test chambers have shown a desorption rate of less then 1E-11 mbar l/s/cm2.•Lowest pressures measured (2E-8 mbar) were limited by fluoroelastomer gaskets.•Baking of high grade CuCFRP improved vacuum performance.•Low grade CuCFRP showed delamination after heat cycling.