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Radiation-Resistant
Insulation with Improved Shear Strength for Fusion Magnets--Composite
Technology Development, Inc., 2600 Campus Drive, Suite D, Lafayette, CO
80026-3359; 303-664-0394, www.ctd-materials.com
Mr. Paul A. Fabian,
Principal Investigator,
Dr. Naseem A.
Munshi, Business Official,
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83831
Amount:
$749,451
Magnet
insulation materials, used in many Next-Step Option fusion research devices,
will be subjected to high stresses at both cryogenic and elevated temperatures.
Unfortunately, at high stress levels, their low shear strength and their
inability to adhere to the copper conductors can result in significant design
compromises, such as increasing the overall compressive stress.
This project will develop, evaluate, and characterize new materials and
methods to provide improved shear and adhesive strength of organic and inorganic
insulation systems for copper and superconducting conductors used in fusion
magnets. Phase I identified and
tested several adhesion promoters and processes, including silanes, triazoles,
and black and brown oxide coatings. Several
surface preparation methods were screened, and the effect of superconductor heat
treatment on these materials was evaluated.
Properties of the best systems were measured at 76 K, 296 K, and 373 K,
and after thermal cycling among these temperatures.
Phase II will develop, optimize, and screen adhesion enhancement
materials, including the further development of cyanate ester primer systems,
oxide coatings, and resin additives. Comprehensive
adhesive/insulation testing will be conducted at cryogenic, room, and elevated
temperatures. The materials will be
exposed to neutron and gamma radiation to determine the effect on performance.
Commercial Applications and
Other Benefits
as described by awardee: Many
different components within fusion devices and experiments could benefit from
radiation-resistant insulation with improved high temperature and adhesive shear
performance. Electrical
feedthroughs, ground planes, and support structures could be more efficiently
designed with materials of this nature.