High thermal conductivity and specific heat nanocomposite epoxy technology for accelerator magnets

The successful operation of superconducting magnets requires high-performance epoxy that is mechanically strong, electrically insulated, cryogenically compatible and chemically compatible with other superconducting magnet components. For high energy physics (HEP) applications, the epoxy must also be radiation resistant to survive the particle radiation environment. Recent rapid developments in magnet technology, including stronger magnetic fields and larger magnet sizes, have created a compelling need for magnet impregnation epoxies with advanced performance capabilities. The Small Business, in collaboration with a National Laboratory, proposes to develop next-generation magnet impregnation epoxies that significantly improve the operational stability of superconducting magnets by dramatically increasing the normal zone propagation velocity and the minimum quench energy. The normal zone propagation velocity will be increased by dispersing high thermal conductivity nanoparticles into superconducting magnet impregnation epoxies, and the minimum quench energy will be improved by incorporating high specific heat nanoparticles. During this effort, the Small Business will produce high thermal conductivity, high specific heat nanoparticles, disperse the nanoparticles into epoxies, and conduct thermal conductivity, rheological behavior, breakdown voltage and thermal tolerance characterization. The National Laboratory will evaluate the samples for thermal conductivity, specific heat, and magnet impregnation evaluation.Raid advances in superconducting magnets are enabling a growing list of commercial applications. The development of enhanced epoxies will support continued advances, including increased magnetic fields and larger magnet sizes, that will enable the expanded use of high-field magnets in diverse fields, including superconducting magnetic energy storage, wind generator, fusion energy and many others.