Enhanced transport critical current density in textured Sr0.6K0.4Fe2As2 + Ag tapes by an intermediate sintering process of precursors

Abstract

Fe-clad textured Sr0.6K0.4Fe2As2+Ag tapes have been fabricated through an intermediate sintering process of precursors. Comparing with the conventional fabrication process, it yields much better phase formation and denser microstructure, resulting in improved coupling of grains. Furthermore, the superconducting cores exhibit homogeneous element distribution and well developed c-axis texture. As a result, sharper resistive transition and larger transport critical current density were achieved. The transport Jc values in the fields of 0T and 10T are 1.5×104A/cm2 and 2.3×103A/cm2 at 4.2K, respectively, which are the highest values reported so far for the pnitide wires and tapes with Ag addition.