The effect of Mo addition on the microstructure and Jc properties of MgB2 tapes fabricated by PIT method

We investigated the effect of Mo addition to MgB2/Ag tapes fabricated by the ex situ PIT method. The heat treatments were carried out at 600 °C for 24 h under Ar atmosphere. The structural development, microstructures, superconducting properties and critical current density were characterized by means of XRD, SEM, M–T and M–H measurements. XRD and SEM studies indicated that Mo, not reacting with matrix of MgB2, was formed. The Tc of the tapes decreased in all the addition levels. The maximum Jc value was obtained to be 1.2 × 105 A cm−2 at 10 K for pure MgB2 tape. Decrease of Jc was observed with increasing the Mo concentration. The Jc–H characteristics of the tapes were decreased by the addition of Mo. This is considered to be due to the reduced flux-pinning force in the material.