Innovative Organic and Inorganic High-Pressure Laminate Insulation for Fusion and Superconducting Magnets

65496 Magnet systems for Next Step Option (NSO) fusion devices will require insulation systems that can tolerate exposure to high levels of radiation as well as cryogenic and elevated temperatures. Currently available insulation systems either will not meet these requirements, or will compromise the magnet system design or economics to such an extent as to make them unfeasible. This project will develop new high-pressure laminate (HPL) hybrid organic and inorganic insulation systems, providing high radiation resistance and enhanced cryogenic and elevated temperature performance. In Phase I, new HPL hybrid organic and inorganic insulation systems were demonstrated to provide suitable processing and performance characteristics meeting NSO requirements. Performance and processing criteria were developed for evaluating HPL insulation performance in fusion magnet systems. HPL insulation systems were tested mechanically and electrically at 76 and 373 K. In Phase II, the new HPL hybrid systems will be further optimized and characterized, before and after exposure to radiation, and validated for NSO applications. Extensive testing will be performed to provide relevant engineering data, and practical manufacturing techniques will be developed. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new HPL insulation resin systems should have commercial benefit for fusion, high-energy physics, and commercial magnet applications. Furthermore, these new resin systems could be used as the basis of other products, such as fiber-reinforced composites and adhesives.