We present the superconducting properties and phase compositions of Mg 1Ϫx Zr x B 2 bulk samples fabricated by a solid-state reaction at ambient pressure. It is found that a small amount of Zr atoms may be introduced into the lattice of MgB 2 , while the majority of them forms ZrB 2 phase. The Mg 0.9 Zr 0.1 B 2 sample shows the highest J C of 2.1ϫ10 6 A/cm 2 in 0.56 T at 5 K and 1.83ϫ10 6 A/cm 2 in self-field at 20 K, higher irreversibility field and larger upper critical field in MgB 2 bulk samples. The combination of good grain connection, the reduction of grain size and small ZrB 2 particles in the sample may be responsible for the significant enhancement of J C in Zr-doped samples. This technique has a great potential to prepare high performance MgB 2 bulk samples and wires on an industrial scale.
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