CNPEM in SP Reaches Agreement for Superconductor Development with the World’s Largest Niobium Producer

The National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), in SP, Sealed an Agreement with CBMM to Develop Research for the Development of Superconducting Materials. The Brazilian Company CBMM is the Largest Producer of Niobium in the World    

The official announcement of the agreement between CNPEM and CBMM for the development of research was on the agenda of the president of the republic, Jair Messias Bolsonaro (without party), who visited Campinas, SP, last Friday (8). Bolsonaro participated in a niobium fair and inaugurated some structures of the Sirius Laboratory, CNPEM. Brazil is currently the largest producer of niobium in the world, and about 80% of this market is served by CBMM. Even being dominant in the market, Brazil is not the only country exploring niobium, as it is a non-rare metal. Countries like Canada, Australia, Russia, the United States, and parts of the African Continent also explore niobium. It is estimated that there are at least around 85 quantified deposits in the world.

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Development of Superconductors in the Laboratory in SP

CBMM will provide the product and absolute knowledge about niobium, and Brazilian researchers have the know-how from CERN, with the aim of positively advancing in the development of superconductors.

According to Citadini, precisely because of this extensive knowledge exchange about niobium, work that could take decades to develop a well-structured and conceptual project for a new magnet for superconductors – which will certainly be used in the Sirius Laboratory – has been developed and completed in just six months of studies and research.

James Citadini reported that the development of this project was initially expected to take three years, dedicating that time entirely to the conceptual part of the research. However, completely unexpectedly for Citadini, this part was developed in just six months. He also states that he has a goal, which is to have a fully functional prototype of this magnet by the end of 2022.

What is Niobium Used For?

Niobium is the main metal used in the production of special steels and superalloys, as well as being used in automobiles, aircraft turbines, gas pipelines, ships, magnetic resonance imaging machines, and particle accelerators, in addition to being applied in piercings and costume jewelry.

The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which is responsible for operating the largest particle collider in the world, is also part of this partnership with CBMM, which sees this collaboration as an opportunity to expand global demand for niobium, adding value to the developed products.

Technologies Developed from Niobium

James Citadini, Engineering and Technology Manager at CNPEM, highlighted that studies on superconducting materials had existed long before the arrival of the Sirius Laboratory.

A large part of the technology needed to assemble the next lines of research will depend on materials that have these specific points, in addition to the search for partnerships that aid in development, just as happened in the current moment.