Bulk MgB2 Superconducting Materials: Technology, Properties, and Applications
Tetiana Prikhna1,2,3,4, Vladimir Sokolovsky5, Viktor Moshchil1
1V. Bakul Institute for Superhard Materials, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 2, Avtozavodska Str., 07074 Kyiv, Ukraine.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 19, 2024
Summary
Magnesium diboride (MgB2) bulk superconductors offer promising applications in hydrogen technologies. Optimizing manufacturing pressure-temperature conditions and additions enhances their superconducting properties for various devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Superconductivity
Background:
- Magnesium diboride (MgB2) is a cost-effective bulk superconductor with potential applications in hydrogen technologies.
- Its effectiveness at liquid hydrogen temperatures (around 20 K) makes it suitable for devices like magnets, fault current limiters, and electric machines.
- High mechanical and chemical stability alongside superior superconducting characteristics are crucial for these applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on the superconducting and structural properties of MgB2-based bulk materials.
- To analyze the correlation between pressure-temperature conditions during manufacturing and superconducting characteristics.
- To investigate the impact of impurities, boron excess, and various additions on MgB2 properties.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies involving hot pressing (30 MPa), spark plasma sintering (16-96 MPa), and high quasi-hydrostatic pressures (2 GPa).
- Analysis of superconducting properties (e.g., critical temperature, critical current density) and structural characteristics.
- Correlation analysis between processing parameters, material composition, and resulting superconducting performance.
Main Results:
- Different pressure-temperature conditions significantly influence the superconducting and structural properties of MgB2.
- Oxygen impurity and excess boron content affect superconducting characteristics, with optimal levels depending on the application.
- Additions and structural modifications can enhance MgB2 bulk properties for specific temperature and magnetic field ranges.
Conclusions:
- Tailoring manufacturing processes and material composition allows for optimization of MgB2 bulk superconductors.
- The choice of optimal technology depends on the specific requirements of the intended application, such as fault current limiters or electric machines.
- MgB2-based materials present a viable option for advanced superconducting devices in emerging technological fields.
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