The Superconducting Properties of High Density Bulk MgB2 Obtained by Reactive Liquid Mg Infiltration

Abstract

The reactive liquid Mg infiltration of Boron powders preforms is an easy technique to obtain high density and large superconducting bulk MgB2 manufacts, in which the supercurrents can percolate without obstacles by grains boundaries. The microstructure of these manufacts, as well their superconducting characteristics, can be tailored according to the Boron powders used and the particular arrangements of the reactants in a stainless steel container. A discussion of the superconducting characteristics of prototype manufacts of various shape will be given. The practical application of these manufacts, as permanent magnets for bearings or as current leads, will be discussed with reference to other superconducting bulk options. The expected temperature range for the use of this material will be between 15K and 30K and that calls for the development of reliable and cheap cryogenic systems.