1. Neil Dixon PH/DT CERN 01/02/10 Straw Material Latest news. Latest news. Informed last week that Hostaphan GN will only be available in large quantities. Informed last week that Hostaphan GN will only be available in large quantities. ( 200.000 – 300.000 m² ). ( 200.000 – 300.000 m² ). In discussion with Mitsubishi, to try and find a solution. In discussion with Mitsubishi, to try and find a solution. ( existing stock / other )

2. Neil Dixon PH/DT CERN 01/02/10 Base material PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) (C 10 H 8 O 4 )n “Sourcing new material could require a full long term test period.” JINR December 2009. Specifying and sourcing an alternative PET. Specifying and sourcing an alternative PET. Several candidates have been selected, and a decision should be taken “quickly” for a replacement / alternative for the Hostaphan GN. Team involved in sourcing, qualification and validation: TE/VSC M. Taborelli, W.Vollenberg. EN/MME M. Scheubel, S. Sgobba PH/DT H. Danielsson, N. Dixon

3. Neil Dixon PH/DT CERN 01/02/10 Material specifications (reminder) PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) (C 10 H 8 O 4 )n The thickness of the material is 36 micrometers +/- 2 µm Tensile strength should be as the close to 180 N/mm² ( MD ) 230 N/mm² ( TD ) 230 N/mm² ( TD ) Density 1.4 g/cm³ Good permeation properties. Better than 100 cm³/m²/day/bar Good metal bonding properties. Good epoxy adhesion properties.

4. Neil Dixon PH/DT CERN 01/02/10 Ongoing test “independent” of current situation Several tests are being run in parallel at CERN, using the current Hostaphan GN 4600. Coating and adhesion quality with respect to surface treatement of PET. M. ScheubelW.Vollenberg, N Dixon. M. Scheubel, W.Vollenberg, N Dixon. Permeation tests to understand the effects of coating thickness and surface treatement of the PET. TE/VSC M. Taborelli, W.Vollenberg. Electro microscope observations, coating uniformity and evaluation of coating thickness. EN/MME M. Scheubel. S Sgobba

5. Neil Dixon PH/DT CERN 01/02/10 Permeation Ongoing tests: Permeation of naked PET. Permeation w.r.t. to coating thickness. Permeation w.r.t. coated side. Permeation of GN 4600 Vs another PET. (Dubna Dec2009) Future urgent tests: Depending on discussions with Mitsubishi. Permeation.Metallisation.Bonding. Straw manufacture ( ultra sonic welding). Gas tests.

6. Neil Dixon PH/DT CERN 01/02/10 Conclusions: “Much effort is needed before we see our first final straw tube.” JINR December 2009 Even more effort needed, and decisions may have to be based on material specifications short term testing. A CERN team has been put together to solution these problems in the shortest possible time. TE/VSC M. Taborelli, W. Vollenberg. EN/MME M. Scheubel, S. Sgobba PH/DT H. Danielsson, N. Dixon FP/PI D. Gregorio. (purchasing)