August 2024 – A project led by Dr. João Elias Rodrigues, from the startup DvDtStartec, is approved at the prestigious European Synchrotron for the study of niobium in extreme environments.
SUPERA Park, one of the largest innovation hubs in Brazil, hosts companies at the forefront of global scientific research – and a recent example of this pioneering spirit is the study of niobium under physical conditions never before investigated. The project, led by Dr. João Elias Rodrigues, Scientific Director of the startup DvDtStartec, one of the companies supported by the park, has been approved to use the ID27 beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, one of the most prestigious particle accelerators in the world.
Niobium, a chemical element known for its high thermal stability and excellent electronic properties, is widely used in the industry, including in advanced studies for applications in implantology. However, the properties of niobium under extreme pressure and temperature conditions remain poorly understood. The project led by Dr. Rodrigues aims precisely to explore these characteristics using the advanced X-ray capabilities provided by the ESRF.
The main objective is to map the phase diagram of pure niobium, which is essential for understanding how the material behaves in extreme environments. This knowledge is crucial for developing new industrial applications, potentially revolutionizing how niobium is used in various technologies.
The approval of this project at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility is not only a milestone for DvDtStartec but also for SUPERA Park and Brazil. The ESRF is one of the three largest synchrotrons in the world, alongside the Advanced Photon Source in the United States and Spring-8 in Japan. With a circumference of 844 meters, the ESRF can produce one of the most energetic X-ray sources on the planet, allowing for a detailed exploration of matter on an atomic scale.
Every year, around 7,000 researchers from 22 member countries use the ESRF facilities to conduct cutting-edge studies. The approval of DvDtStartec’s project places the work of Dr. João Elias Rodrigues and SUPERA Park at the same level of high-level scientific research, recognized and valued by the international scientific community.
The Role of SUPERA Park and the Impact for DvDtStartec
The success of DvDtStartec and Dr. Rodrigues reflects the environment of innovation and support provided by SUPERA Park. As an ecosystem that integrates companies, researchers, and entrepreneurs, SUPERA Park offers the necessary support for high-impact projects like this to be developed and gain global recognition.
Additionally, the park facilitates access to international collaboration networks, as demonstrated by the approval at the ESRF. The infrastructure, resources, and connections provided by SUPERA Park are crucial for startups like DvDtStartec to grow and significantly contribute to advancing science and technology.
Innovation and the Future
The project to study niobium in extreme conditions opens new doors for materials science and may generate technological innovations with applications across various industrial sectors. The knowledge generated could be applied in areas ranging from the production of high-performance metal alloys to the creation of new materials for implantology.
With the continuation of this project and the prospect of new studies, SUPERA Park and DvDtStartec reaffirm their commitment to innovation and scientific development. The pursuit of new frontiers of knowledge, driven by international collaboration, positions the park as a key player in the global innovation landscape.
AIs. Comunicação e Estratégia
Ligia Gabrielli – +55 (41) 98700-2363
Dimas Rodrigues – +55 (41) 99159-4452
