Development of manufacturing techniques to prepare V2(Hf-Zr) Laves phase (C15) superconductor

Superconducting material based upon the V2(HF-Zr) Laves Phase system has been prepared utilizing Commercially scaleable processing techniques. This paper covers the examination of several processing methods by which a V (Hf-Zr) Laves Phase superconductor could be fabricated. These methods include hot extrusion of billets containing V, Hf, and Zr components in either powder or foil form incorporated with stabilizing Cu protected by a Nb diffusion barrier. Cold processed billets of similar composition were also investigated. These materials were then drawn with intermediate anneals to wire (1.626mm to 0.305mm dia) with varying degrees of difficulty. Wire samples were then heat treated from 900-950 deg C to form the Laves phase material via interdiffusion of the V, Hf, and Zr components. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examinations were conducted on the various samples and critical current densities measured.