9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
▼ [19a-PB2-29] Optimization of CaKFe4As4 synthesis conditions and investigations of Sn addition effect on the microstructural and superconducting properties
Keywords:Superconductor, Critical current density, Microstructure
In this work we studied the optimization of synthesis conditions of CaK-1144 polycrystalline powders via a conventional solid-state reaction method in a stainless-steel tube. In addition, the effect of sintering temperature was investigated across the temperature range of 600 oC – 900 oC for Sn added samples. Beyond 700 oC, the sample was decomposed to CaFe4As3, 122 and Fe-As phases indicating 700 oC is the optimal condition. The occurrence of superconductivity was not influenced by the sintering temperature and observed to be ~32.5 K. Conglutination of weak links (grain boundaries, GB) of the superconducting 1144 grains by the Sn was homogeneous in the Sn added sample sintered at 700 oC as evinced by the microstructural and elemental analysis. Field dependence of Jc value at 4.2 K was improved from 12500 A/cm2 in as synthesized 1144 to 15500 A/cm2 in Sn added sample sintered at 700 oC due to improved GB connectivity and flux pinning induced by the interfacial defect density.