Changes in mechanical and structural properties of Bi-2212 added MgB<inf>2</inf> superconductors

Abstract

In the present study, we investigate the effects of Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8+κ (Bi-2212) addition on structural and mechanical properties of bulk MgB2 obtained by hot-press method by means of X-ray diffraction, the Scanning Electron Microscopy and Vickers microhardness measurements. The amount of Bi-2212 was varied between 0 and 10 wt% (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 wt%) of the total MgB2. All samples were prepared by using elemental magnesium (Mg) powder, amorphous nano boron (B) powder and Bi-2212 powder which are produced by hot-press method. As a result of the hot-press process, the compact pellet samples were manufactured. The microhardness results were analyzed by Meyer’s law, Proportional Sample Resistance Model, Elastic–Plastic Deformation Model, Hays Kendall Approach, and Indentation Induced Cracking (IIC) Model. IIC model was identified as the most appropriate model for samples exhibiting the reverse indentation size effect behavior.