Hastelloy C-276® in advanced energy and superconducting research

Powering advanced energy and computing research with superconducting substrates

As research into superconducting technologies accelerates, the choice of substrate material has become increasingly important. High-temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes rely on a stable metal base to support thin-film coatings that carry electricity with extremely low energy loss.

Hastelloy C-276®, long valued for its corrosion resistance and high-temperature stability, is now specified in this context as a precision substrate material. When supplied as foil or strip with controlled surface finish and thickness, it supports the manufacture of coated conductors used across a range of advanced research programmes.

High-temperature superconducting tapes are produced by depositing very thin layers onto a metal strip. That strip does not create superconductivity, but it provides the mechanical and dimensional stability required during coating, cooling, and operation. Hastelloy C-276® is suitable for this role because it remains stable under temperature change and can be supplied with a smooth, consistent surface that supports uniform thin-film formation.

The science behind the substrate

Superconducting cables and tapes demand more than electrical performance alone.

The underlying metal strip must remain flat, consistent, and mechanically robust throughout thin-film deposition and repeated thermal cycling. Variations in surface quality or thickness can disrupt coating uniformity and affect conductor performance.

For researchers developing HTS tapes, substrate materials are therefore selected for their ability to provide a smooth surface suitable for thin-film coating processes, dimensional stability under heating and cooling, consistent thickness to support uniform current flow, and sufficient mechanical strength for handling and integration.

Nickel-based alloys such as Hastelloy C-276® meet these requirements, which explains their growing use in superconducting research environments.

Where Hastelloy C-276® substrates are used

Precision C-276 foil and strip appear across several research areas focused on energy efficiency, high-field magnets, and advanced electronics.

1. Fusion energy research
   Superconducting magnets play a central role in many fusion reactor designs. HTS tapes supported by mechanically stable substrates are under active investigation for use in these high-field systems.
    
2. AI data centres and power infrastructure
   As artificial intelligence workloads increase, so does interest in low-loss power transmission. Superconducting cables are being explored as a way to deliver high currents more efficiently, with substrate materials contributing to conductor reliability and consistency.
    
3. Quantum computing and advanced electronics
   Thin-film superconductors are used in quantum devices and other sensitive electronic systems, where stability at the material level directly affects performance and repeatability.
    
4. Medical imaging (MRI and NMR)
   High-field magnets used in MRI and NMR systems continue to push material limits. Substrate-based superconductors support ongoing work to improve imaging resolution and system efficiency.
    
5. 5G and high-frequency research
   As communication systems move toward higher frequencies and lower losses, superconducting components are under investigation, bringing substrate materials back into focus.

Supporting research with the right materials

At Advent Research Materials, we supply Hastelloy C-276® foil for research and development, including corrosion studies, high-temperature testing, and substrate evaluation in superconducting and thin-film research.

Our C-276 foil is available in defined thicknesses and is supplied in small quantities suitable for laboratory and pilot-scale work. This allows researchers to evaluate material behaviour, surface performance, and processing compatibility without the barriers associated with bulk procurement.

By making specialist nickel alloy foils accessible and well specified, we support the experimental work that underpins progress in energy systems, advanced computing, and superconducting technology.