Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 + x round wires with Ag/Al oxide dispersion strengthened sheaths: microstructure–properties relationships, enhanced mechanical behavior and reduced Cu depletion

Abstract

Ag/Al alloys with various Al content (0.50 wt%, 0.75 wt%, 1.00 wt%, and 1.25 wt%) are made by powder metallurgy and used as the outer sheath material for Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 + x (Bi2212)/Ag/AgAl multifilamentary round wires (RW). Bi2212/Ag/AgAl RW microstructural, mechanical and electrical properties are studied in various conditions, including as-drawn, after internal oxidation, and after partial melt processing (PMP). The results are compared with the behavior of a Bi2212/Ag/Ag0.20Mg wire of the same geometry. The grains in as-drawn Ag/Al alloys are found to be ∼25% smaller than those in the corresponding Ag/0.20 wt%Mg, but after PMP, the Ag/Al and Ag/0.20 wt%Mg grain sizes are comparable. Tensile tests show that Bi2212/Ag/AgAl green wires have yield strength (YS) of ∼115 MPa, nearly 65% higher than that of Bi2212/Ag/Ag0.20Mg. After PMP, the Bi2212/Ag/AgAl YS is about 35% greater than that of Bi2212/Ag/Ag0.20Mg. Furthermore, Bi2212/Ag/AgAl wires exhibit higher ultimate tensile strength and modulus and twice the elongation-to-failure. Atomic resolution high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy demonstrate the formation of nanosize MgO and Al2O3 precipitates via internal oxidation. Large spherical MgO precipitates are observed on the Ag grain boundaries of Ag/0.20 wt%Mg alloy, whereas the Al2O3 precipitates are distributed homogenously in the dispersion-strengthened (DS) Ag/Al alloy. Furthermore, it is found that less Cu diffused from the Bi2212 filaments in the Bi2212/Ag/Ag0.75Al wire during PMP than from the filaments in the Bi2212/Ag/Ag0.20Mg wire. These results show that DS Ag/Al alloy is a strong candidate for improved Bi2212 wire.