Specialists from the Grebenshchikov Institute of Silicate Chemistry (a branch of the NRC "Kurchatov Institute – PIYAF") have developed new materials for high-precision instruments that do not expand when heated and, under certain conditions, can contract. By changing the ratio of iron and chromium in the composition of borates, the coefficient of thermal expansion can be adjusted.
For high-precision devices, where even a change in part dimensions by 10–20 degrees can lead to micro-damage, this property is critically important. The development allows for the creation of compounds with a precisely defined expansion coefficient, including for operation at ultra-low temperatures – which is especially relevant for space technology.
Project leader Yaroslav Biryukov explained that the discovery allows for the creation of effective compounds with tunable characteristics, adapted to specific operating conditions.
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