Progress on the Fabrication of Superconducting Wires and Tapes via Hot Isostatic Pressing

Abstract

Fabrication of high-performance superconducting wires and tapes is essential for large-scale applications of superconducting materials. The powder-in-tube (PIT) method involves a series of cold processes and heat treatments and has been widely used for fabricating BSCCO, MgB2, and iron-based superconducting wires. The densification of the superconducting core is limited by traditional heat treatment under atmospheric pressure. The low density of the superconducting core and a large number of pores and cracks are the main factors limiting the current-carrying performance of PIT wires. Therefore, to improve the transport critical current density of the wires, it is essential to densify the superconducting core and eliminate pores and cracks to enhance grain connectivity. Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) sintering was employed to improve the mass density of superconducting wires and tapes. In this paper, we review the development and application of the HIP process in the manufacturing of BSCCO, MgB2, and iron-based superconducting wires and tapes. The development of HIP parameters and the performance of different wires and tapes are reviewed. Finally, we discuss the advantages and prospects of the HIP process for the fabrication of superconducting wires and tapes.