Goodfellow's Stocked Material Range - Accelerating Innovation in the Fusion Industry

The Urgency and Complexity of Fusion Materials Research

The development of viable fusion power relies heavily on the identification and qualification of materials capable of withstanding extreme conditions, including high neutron fluxes, intense heat, and potentially corrosive environments. As evidenced by the UK's aim to build its first prototype power plant within a decade and the ambitious timelines for projects like STEP targeting operation in 2040, the fusion industry operates on a rapid innovation cycle. Researchers require immediate access to a diverse range of materials to conduct experiments, prototype designs, and validate theoretical models efficiently – we provide the solution to this urgency through our readily available, strategically stocked range. 

Goodfellow's Strategic Advantage: A Stocked Material Portfolio

Goodfellow's strategic decision to maintain a comprehensive stocked range of materials specifically relevant to fusion research provides several key advantages that directly address the fast-paced needs of the industry:

• Fast-Tracking Research & Development: The immediate availability of materials like Tantalum, critical for hydrogen embrittlement resistance, Tungsten, with excellent thermal properties, allows scientists and engineers to readily obtain the materials they need to begin their experiments and testing promptly. This acceleration is crucial in a field striving to meet ambitious deadlines for prototype development and energy production.
• Driving Fundamental Discovery: Understanding the fundamental behaviour of materials under fusion-relevant conditions, such as neutron irradiation effects, liquid metal compatibility, and deuterium retention, is paramount. Our stocked range enables researchers at institutions like ORNL, who conduct extensive irradiation experiments, and UKAEA's Materials Research Facility to readily access baseline materials for comparative studies and the development of new, more resilient alloys. The ability to quickly acquire reference materials alongside experimental alloys streamlines the research process.
• Optimising Investment: Fusion research involves significant investment. Goodfellow's standard range provides a cost-effective way for research teams to conduct preliminary studies and feasibility assessments before committing to large-scale custom material production. This allows for a more efficient allocation of research funding and reduces the risk associated with pursuing potentially less viable material options.
• Building Future Supply Chains: As the fusion industry matures and moves towards commercialization, a reliable and efficient supply chain for critical materials will be essential. Goodfellow's established standard range acts as a foundational element for this supply chain, providing readily available, qualified materials. While custom materials will undoubtedly play a role, the availability of standard options simplifies logistics and reduces potential bottlenecks in the future.

Key Materials include Lithium, Tungsten, Beryllium, Alumina, Zirconia, Copper, Molybdenum, Niobium, Tantalum, Vanadium and Palladium Silver alloys.  

Your Partner for Advanced Scientific Materials, Solutions, and Services

While our comprehensive stocked range delivers unparalleled speed and accessibility for immediate needs, the support the Goodfellow group offers the fusion industry extends far beyond material supply. We are a trusted partner for holistic advanced material solutions, drawing on the specialised expertise of our sister companies:

• Suisse Technology Partners (Suisse TP): Bringing advanced analytical and testing capabilities, Suisse TP can provide crucial material characterisation, failure analysis, and precision measurement services. This is vital for understanding material behaviour under extreme fusion conditions and validating experimental results – a perfect complement to the materials sourced from Goodfellow. 
• Potomac Photonics: Specialising in laser-based precision micro-manufacturing and processing, Potomac Photonics offers unique capabilities for creating intricate components, drilling precise holes, or modifying material surfaces with exceptional accuracy. These services are invaluable for prototyping complex fusion components or preparing samples for specific experiments where conventional machining is not sufficient. 
• Bureau of Analysed Samples (BAS): BAS provides certified reference materials (CRMs) and analytical standards. In fusion research, where the purity and precise composition of materials are paramount for accurate experimental data and material qualification, having access to certified standards from BAS is a critical resource for calibration and validation 

Conclusion

For the fusion industry, the Goodfellow brands offer a powerful and unique combination of resources. Our strategically stocked range provides immediate access for urgent needs, complemented by our custom manufacturing expertise and the specialised services of Suisse Technology Partners, Potomac Photonics, and Bureau of Analysed Samples. This integrated capability is designed to empower scientists and engineers, directly enabling them to accelerate R&D, facilitate rapid prototyping, deepen fundamental understanding, conduct cost-effective preliminary studies, and contribute to vital future supply chains. The Goodfellow group stands as a vital partner in making fusion a viable source of clean energy. 

For any specific requirements or if our standard product offering does not meet your needs, please do not hesitate to contact us for custom solutions.