Innovative, Low Cost, Radiation-Resistant Fusion Magnet Insulation

75747-Newly designed and proposed fusion magnet systems will require electrical insulation capable of withstanding high temperatures and high radiation doses. The lack of cost-effective, radiation-resistant insulation systems is compromising the design and operation of these devices. Therefore, this project will develop and formulate new, low cost organic resins from completely new chemistries, which can be used in the vacuum pressure impregnation (VPI) and prepreg fabrication of fusion magnet insulation. These materials promise to be much less expensive than current insulation materials. The new resin systems will be evaluated for use in high radiation environments and at the cryogenic and elevated temperatures typical of the operation fusion magnet systems. In Phase I, low cost organic resins will be formulated and developed into insulation resin systems for use in VPI and prepreg fabrication processes for fusion magnets. The processing properties of these new materials will be characterized, and their mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties will be evaluated at cryogenic temperatures and after exposure to elevated temperatures above 100¿C. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: New, low cost, VPI-compatible insulation systems, capable of withstanding exposure to high temperatures and having improved radiation resistance and mechanical/electrical properties should improve the viability and operation of new fusion magnet designs.