Why in the news?

  • The Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) announced that it has successfully developed a crucial technology for producing high Residual Resistivity Ratio (RRR) niobium ingots and sheets.

High Residual Resistivity Ratio Niobium

  • Niobium:
    • Niobium (Nb) is a transition metal (atomic number 41), silvery-grey, ductile, and resistant to corrosion.
    • It is used mainly in high-temperature alloys, superconductors, and aerospace components.
    • India currently imports most of its niobium, making indigenisation strategically vital.
  • Residual Resistivity Ratio:
    • It is the ratio of a metal’s electrical resistivity at room temperature (≈ 300 K) to its resistivity at low temperature (≈ 4 K).
    • It serves as an indicator of metal purity and crystalline perfection.
      • Higher RRR means higher purity and fewer lattice defects.
  • Significance of High RRR Niobium:
    • Superconducting Properties: High RRR niobium shows minimal electrical resistance at cryogenic temperatures, essential for superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities used in particle accelerators and fusion reactors.
    • Thermal Conductivity: High-RRR metal efficiently dissipates heat at low temperatures, preventing quenching (loss of superconductivity).
    • Critical material for Advanced Research: Used in facilities such as particle accelerators (e.g., LHC, FAIR, ILC), nuclear fusion projects, quantum computing systems, and space-grade electronics.
  • Applications:
    • Nuclear & Particle Physics: SRF cavities in particle accelerators (for energy-efficient beam acceleration).
    • Quantum & Cryogenic Systems: Superconducting qubits and resonators.
    • Space & Defence: High-strength, lightweight components for rockets and propulsion systems.
    • Energy Sector: Possible use in fusion reactors and superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems.