HARCO

Skip to content

SIMx

SIMx™ - Stable Inert Metal Matrix with Extended Temperature Range.

SIMx is a metal matrix composite composed of base materials embedded with nano particles (2-10 nm diameter). These particles deposit themselves within the grain boundaries and within the base material. This composite greatly inhibits grain growth and creates a tortuous path for migration of ionic contaminants. The particles also hinder movement of dislocations thereby stabilizing the structure under load. The material components are from a regional group of transitional elements resulting in stability due to similarity of physical characteristics. Material is extremely stable at elevated temperatures in corrosive environments and after exposure to heat induced by TIG welding. For example, the material incurred a material loss of only 0.32% per centimeter of surface area when exposed to cyclic oxidation testing of 10,897 cycles at 2300 F (1260 C). The exceptional microstructure stability results in a high degree of strength at the operational temperature. It is also relatively inert in an oxidizing atmosphere.

SIMX Thermocouple and Resistance Temperature Device (RTD) elements have been developed. When protective sheathing is required for the sensor, it is composed of the same material as the sensing element. Therefore, ionic migration from the sheath is limited to that of the constituent elements in the active sensing probe. Thermocouple contamination between the legs is hindered due to similarity in physical characteristics of each leg of the sensing element and high melting points limiting mobility of ions at the operational temperature. The material can be cold worked and has been successfully drawn into tubing of differing thickness and wire to a diameter of 0.001 inch. Material output does not conform to international standards for either thermocouple or RTD elements. Consequently, conditioning electronics may be required depending on the accuracy requirements. The signal can be converted to any format: