Multi-Functional Flexible High Temperature Superconducting Tape

Objective

Numerous interesting applications of High Temperature Superconductors (HTSC) such as motors, levitated trains, power transmission lines, magnetic and electromagnetic screening, power storage facilities, MRI, nuclear fusion reactors are generally recognized on the condition that these new materials will have to be processed in long lengths of practical conductors.

This consortium has a clear industrial objective:

The development of a cost effective multi functional flexible HTSC tape (MUST) exhibiting an overall critical current density Jc > 106 A/cm2 at 77K and B=OT, using high power sputter deposition of 0,5 lmm thick YBa2Cu307 films on metallic and polymer substrates.


The end product is specifically designed to withstand stresses related to handling and operative use while maintaining the desired
characteristics in the superconducting state. The commercial possibilities of this end product will be demonstrated by using the flexible superconducting tape for the fabrication of components suitable for new MRI applications, fault current limiters and to wind a high field HTSC magnet (B>2T).

The American and Japanese competition is strong and has mainly centered its government supported activities on Ion Beam Assisted Deposition using Laser Ablation. A European effort has approached the problem from the side of MOCVD and the more classical Powder in Tube techniques. In spite of all this expertise, we feel the need to address the issue of flexibility, high current capability and up scaling from a new angle. By combining the unique talents of 6 European Industries (large ones as well as SME's) with 4 academic research institutions we claim to establish the following innovations crucial to the new technology:

textured metal foils,
large scale magnetron sputter deposition below 600 C on metals small scale deposition on polymers at 300 C,
low cost target (re )construction and manufacture of MRI components, fault current limiters and high fieldmagnets.

As the potential world market for superconductivity is rated at 7000 Mio ECU by 2001 and 21 430 Mio ECU by 2010, it is clear that even a modest share would make a substantial increase in the partners assets and could secure a prime position for the EC in developing future technologies for consumer electronics, transportation and energy production or storage.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › chemical sciences › polymer sciences
• natural sciences › physical sciences › nuclear physics › nuclear fusion
• natural sciences › physical sciences › optics › laser physics
• natural sciences › physical sciences › electromagnetism and electronics › superconductivity

Programme(s)

• FP4-BRITE/EURAM 3 - Specific research and technological development programme in the field of industrial and materials technologies, 1994-1998

Topic(s)

• 0202 - New methodologies for product design and manufacture

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

Innovative Sputtering Technology NV

Address

18,karreweg
9870 Zulte
Belgium

Participants (9)

CERAMICS AND REFRACTORIES TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY S.A.

Greece

Address

5th Km,athens-lamia Road 72 Km
34100 Chalkida

Centrum voor Vacuum- en Materiaalwetenschappen v.z.w.

Belgium

Address

281/s1,krijgslaan
9000 Gent

Cryogenic Ltd

United Kingdom

Address

Metrostore Building 231 The Vale
W3 7QS London

EUROPA METALLI S.A.

Italy

Address

P.le Luigi Orlando
55052 Fornaci Di Barga

FUNDACION GAIKER

Spain

Address

Parque Tecnologico De Zamudio, Edificio 202
Zamudio

Links

Oxford Instruments PLC

United Kingdom

Address

Old Station Way
OX8 1TL Witney

ROYAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Sweden

Address

Teknikringen 56-58
100 44 Stockholm

THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

United Kingdom

Address

Madingley Road, West Cambridge Site
CB3 0HE Cambridge

Universiteit Gent

Belgium

Address

281,krijgslaan
9000 Gent