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Radiation Resistant Insulation with Improved Shear Strength for Fusion Magnets

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-03ER83831
Agency Tracking Number: 70312S02-II
Amount: $0.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2003
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
2600 Campus Drive Suite D
Lafayette, CO 80026
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Paul Fabian
 (303) 664-0394
 paul@ctd-materials.com
Business Contact
 Naseem Munshi
Phone: (303) 664-0394
Email: naseem@ctd-materials.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

70312S02-II 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.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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