4.7 Article

Microstructures and superconducting properties of MgB2 bulk samples processed by ultra-high pressure-assisted sintering

Journal

JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
Volume 42, Issue 16, Pages 7481-7490

Publisher

ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2022.09.008

Keywords

MgB2 bulk samples; Ultra-high pressure sintering; Crystal defects; Grain refinement; High magnetic fields

Funding

  1. UK Engineering and Physical Science Research Council
  2. [EP/P026427]

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Nanocrystalline MgB2 bulk superconductors with superior performance were fabricated using ultra-high pressure-assisted sintering. The obtained superconducting properties were attributed to the combination of limited grain growth, retained crystal defects, and complete densification achieved by ultra-high pressure. The study highlights the importance of microstructure in controlling the superconducting behavior in sintered MgB2.
Nanocrystalline MgB2 bulk superconductors have been fabricated by ultra-high pressure-assisted sintering (similar to 5 GPa) over a range of temperatures (700 degrees C-1100 degrees C). Phase evolution and morphology, grain size and lattice defects were systematically investigated. The superconducting performance was measured using magnetization methods and linked to the corresponding microstructural features. A sample processed at 900 degrees C and 5 GPa achieved a Jc value of 4.5 x 10(7) A/m(2) at 4.2 K, 6 T, 30 times and more than 100 times higher than those prepared at 800 and 1100 degrees C respectively, under similar pressures. Its superior superconducting properties arise from the combination of limited grain growth, retained crystal defects and complete densification achieved in a rapid process by the application of ultra-high pressure. This study reveals the importance of microstructure in con-trolling the superconducting behavior in sintered MgB2, especially the sample homogeneity that can affect the length scales over which the supercurrents flow.

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