When the temperature drops close to absolute zero, some substance  undergo a sudden chemical 

change and become a "superconductor" with almost no resistance. The temperature at which 

matter begins to take on this strange "superconducting" property is called the critical temperature. 

Needless to say, the critical temperature of various substances is not the same.

You know, ultra-low temperatures are not easy to get, and people pay a huge price for it. 

The closer we get to absolute zero, the greater thecost. Therefore, our requirement for 

superconducting materials is, of course, the higher the critical temperature, the better.

There are many elements with superconducting properties, among which niobium has the 

highest critical temperature. Alloys made of   niobium, with critical temperatures as high as 

18.5-21 degrees absolute, are currently the most important superconducting materials.

A large portion of the world's niobium is used in the production of nickel, chromium 

and iron-based superalloys in pure metallic form or in the form of high purity ferric niobium 

and niobium nickel alloys. These alloys are used in jet engines, gas turbine engines, 

rocket components, turbochargers and heat-resistant combustion devices. Niobium 

forms a γ "phase in the grain structure of the superalloy. These alloys generally 

contain up to 6.5% niobium.

Niobium C-103 Alloy is a niobium alloy containing 89% niobium, 

10% hafnium and 1% titanium, which can be used in liquid rocket propulsion nozzles, such as 

the main engine of the Apollo lunar module. The Apollo service module used another

niobium alloy. Since niobium begins to oxidize above 400°C, a protective coating 

must be applied to its surface in order to prevent it from becoming brittle.

Tag:  High RRR Niobium material for SCRF   C-103 Niobium Hafnium alloy