Microwave Synthesis of Nano SiC Doping Mg(B_1-2x(SiC)_x)₂ Superconductor and Superconductivity

Abstract

Superconductor samples Mg(B1-2x(SiC)x)2 (x=0, 5%, 10%) are synthesized from nano SiC, Mg and amorphous boron powders by microwave direct synthesis in a short time. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicates that the phases of the synthesis sample are MgB2 (major phase) and a small amount of MgO and Mg2Si. The main peaks of MgB2, (100), (101), (002) and (110) are shift to the higher diffraction angle position and the width of half height of the diffraction plane is broaden for the SiC doping Mg(B1-2x(SiC)x)2, which show that the B positions of MgB2 are partly substituted and the grains of MgB2 are fine. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation shows that the MgB2 grain size is very small and the sample is tightness (compact). The onset superconducting transition temperature of the Mg(B1-2x(SiC)x)2 (x=0, 5%, 10%) samples measured by magnetization measurement are about 37.6 K, 37.0 K, 36.8 K respectively. The critical current density Jc are calculated according to the Bean model from the magnetization hysteresis loop of the slab Mg(B1-2x(SiC)x)2 (x=0, 5%, 10%) samples. The critical current density Jc of nano SiC doping Mg(B1-2x(SiC)x)2 samples are greatly enhanced. In higher external magnetic field, the Jc of 10% SiC doped sample is the highest; in lower external magnetic field, the Jc of 5% SiC doped sample is the highest; while in the whole external magnetic field, the Jc of undoped sample is the lowest.