中国科学院金属所成功制备“人造太阳”关键核心材料

Core Insights - The Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Metal Research has made significant progress in key materials for controllable nuclear fusion, successfully developing the second-generation high-temperature superconducting tape core material, Hastelloy C276, breaking the long-standing reliance on imports [1][2] - Controllable nuclear fusion, known as the "artificial sun," is a crucial direction for exploring future clean energy, with second-generation high-temperature superconducting materials being essential for constructing fusion devices [1] - The global advancements in controllable nuclear fusion technology are accelerating its commercialization, and China has prioritized this field for development [1] Material Development - The metal substrate serves as a foundation for the growth of buffer and superconducting layers, providing necessary mechanical strength and stability for the superconducting structure [2] - The research team has achieved industrial-scale production of high-purity C276 alloy using a self-developed purification technique, overcoming technical challenges in processing ultra-thin and ultra-long substrates [2] - The produced alloy has a thickness of only 0.046 mm, a width of 12 mm, and a length exceeding 2000 meters, with a surface smoothness of less than 20 nanometers [2] Performance and Application - The material exhibits exceptional strength at liquid nitrogen temperatures, capable of supporting approximately 19 tons over an area the size of a fingernail, and retains excellent performance after high-temperature treatment [2] - The C276 alloy has been validated by multiple enterprises, leading to the successful production of high-temperature superconducting tapes that meet international standards, contributing to domestic technology projects [2] - This breakthrough in the domestic production of key materials for high-temperature superconducting tapes provides significant support for the full-scale production and application of second-generation high-temperature superconducting materials in China [2]