Synthesis and Characterization of Excess Magnesium MgB2 Superconductor under Inert Carbon Environment

TL;DR

This study synthesizes MgB2 superconductors with excess magnesium in inert environments, demonstrating improved structural, magnetic, and transport properties through a novel approach that maintains stoichiometry and enhances grain connectivity.

Contribution

It introduces a new synthesis method for MgB2 with excess magnesium in inert environments, improving material properties and understanding magnesium's dual role.

Findings

Excess Mg prevents Mg loss during synthesis.

Enhanced grain connectivity and ductility observed.

Improved superconducting properties due to better microstructure.

Abstract

The structural, transport and magnetic properties of MgB2 superconductor heavily blended with Mg is studied. The samples are synthesized with a new approach in both, pressed carbon environment and in flowing argon. The excess magnesium used is observed to play dual role: one being the prevention of Mg losses during the synthesis process and hence maintaining the stoichiometry of MgB2 phase, and second being the formation of Mg milieu probably all around the MgB2 grains to give a ductile and dense structure. Excess Mg also improves the grain connectivity by going in to the pores and there by minimizing the insulating junctions.