Superconducting properties and mechanical strength of MgO fibres reinforced bulk Bi-2212 superconductor ceramics

• Main Authors: Hamid N.A., Shamsudin N.F., Seec K.W.
• Other Authors: 6604077116
• Format: Conference paper
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Bi-2212 high-temperature superconductor; Cryogenic temperature; High current density; Mechanical strength; MgO fibres; Bismuth compounds; Ceramic superconductors; Compression testing; Cryogenics; Fibers; High temperature superconductors; Mechanical properties; Mechanical stability; Sol-gel process; Superconducting wire; Superconductivity; Tensile strength; Textures; High temperature engineering

Fabrication of bulk superconductors with optimum superconducting properties and stable mechanical behaviour is essential for the application of high-temperature superconducting ceramics in power engineering. In such application, high critical current density Jc and excellent mechanical stability are among the most important properties. In this study, 3-8 wt-%MgO fibres are added to Bi-2212 superconductor powder. The MgO fibres are prepared in-house using the sol-gel route. The Bi-2212/MgO fibres compounds are heat treated, followed by partial-melting and slow-cooling. The mechanical strength of the samples is studied by conducting the compression test. From the results, the addition of 5%MgO fibres is found to improve the texture of the Bi-2212/MgO fibres ceramics without degrading the transition temperature Tc if compared with the other samples. In addition, the Jc values are enhanced due to the addition of the MgO fibres that significantly improved the texture of the compounds and the grain connectivity within the grains. Significantly higher stiffness, strength and toughness are observed in MgO added samples at room temperature. � W. S. Maney & Son Ltd. 2009.