Effect of ball milling on the local magnetic flux distribution and microstructure of in situ Fe/MgB2 conductors

The effects of the precursor milling energy on the superconducting and microstructural homogeneity of Fe-sheathed MgB2 monocore wires and tapes have been investigated. The conductors were produced by the powder-in-tube method using drawing and rolling deformation methods and in situ reaction. Combined magneto-optical, structural and magnetization measurements were performed on MgB2 superconducting tapes prepared from differently milled precursors revealing hidden mechanisms controlling their critical current density. Local degradation of the superconducting properties observed in some analysed conductors has been identified and correlated with microstructural observations.