Enhancement of transport critical current density of SmFeAsO1-xFx tapes fabricated by an ex-situ powder-in-tube method with a Sn-presintering process

TL;DR

This study improves the transport critical current density of SmFeAsO1-xFx superconducting tapes by using an ex-situ powder-in-tube method with a Sn-presintering process, resulting in better microstructure and higher Jc values.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel Sn-presintering process in the fabrication of Sm1111 tapes, enhancing microstructure and critical current density compared to previous methods.

Findings

Sn-presintered tapes have reduced FeAs wetting phase.

Sn-presintered tapes show higher field-dependent Jc.

Achieved a maximum Jc of 3.45x10^4 A/cm^2 at 4.2 K.

Abstract

SmFeAsO1-xFx (Sm1111) tapes were prepared by an ex-situ powder-in-tube method with a Sn-presintering process. Scanning electron microscopy revealed apparent difference in microstructure between Sn-presintered tapes and the previously reported polycrystalline Sm1111 bulk, since Sn has reduced FeAs wetting phase and filled the voids between Sm1111 grains. The Sn-presintered tapes showed significant enhanced field dependences of transport Jc compared with Sn-added tapes. A highest transport critical current density (Jc) of 3.45x10^4 A cm-2 at 4.2 K and self-field is achieved. Magneto-optical (MO) imaging further confirmed large and well-distributed global and intergranular Jc in Sn-presintered Sm1111 tapes.