中国团队突破技术瓶颈 实现“人造太阳”关键核心材料国产化制备

Core Insights - The Chinese Academy of Sciences has achieved a breakthrough in the domestic production of key core materials for controlled nuclear fusion, known as the "artificial sun" [1][3]. Group 1: Technological Breakthrough - The research team has overcome the technical bottleneck in the production of metal substrates for second-generation high-temperature superconducting tapes (REBCO), which are essential for creating strong magnetic fields to confine plasma at temperatures exceeding one hundred million degrees Celsius [1][3]. - The domestically produced metal substrate, previously reliant on imported Hastelloy C276, is now available, reducing costs and supply chain uncertainties [3][4]. Group 2: Material Properties - The newly developed high-purity Hastelloy alloy has significantly lower impurity levels compared to imported materials, with sulfur content below 0.0005% and minimal large-sized inclusions [3][4]. - The metal substrate has been processed into ultra-thin sheets measuring 0.046 mm in thickness, with a tensile strength exceeding 1900 MPa at liquid nitrogen temperatures, demonstrating excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability [4][6]. Group 3: Industrial Application - The mass-produced Hastelloy substrates have been validated in two superconducting technology companies in Shanghai, achieving performance levels comparable to imported substrates [6]. - A framework cooperation agreement has been established for the supply of 20 tons of Hastelloy substrates, indicating a commitment to further optimize production processes and promote the large-scale application of domestic substrates in superconducting technology [6].