Enhancing the sinterability of chemically-derived Tl1212 superconducting powders using nano-sized MgO as sintering aid

• Published in: Advanced Materials Research
• Main Author: Salleh F.Md.; Yahya A.K.; Jumali M.H.
• Format: Conference paper
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84857977534&doi=10.4028%2fwww.scientific.net%2fAMR.418-420.914&partnerID=40&md5=524b93720de07bcded2dcca44c8bbe9b

The superconducting Tl 0.8Bi 0.2Sr 2Ca 0.8Y 0.2Cu 2O 7 powder prepared from chemical route was mixed with varying amounts of nano-sized MgO powders (x=0 to 0.50 wt. %) to form bulk superconducting composites. XRD results show that the addition of 0.15 wt.% nano-MgO is accompanied by an increase in 1212-phase and the disappearance of SrCO 3 impurity. SEM investigations revealed more regular-shaped and smaller grains microstructure for MgO added samples in contrast to MgO-free sample which revealed irregular shaped grains. EDS showed homogenous distribution of Mg for all MgO-added samples with the exception of x=0.50 where agglomeration of MgO particles were observed. However, MgO added samples exhibit lower zero-resistance critical temperature, T c zero than the MgO-free sample. © (2012) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.