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Fast Neutron Irradiation Effects on (Bi1.6Pb0.4)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 Superconductor Prepared Using Co-precipitation Technique

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Abstract

Neutron irradiation is one of the methods to improve the transport properties of superconductors by creating defects for flux pinning centers. In this work, the effects of fast neutron irradiation on (Bi1.6Pb0.4)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 (Bi-2223) superconductor were studied. The samples were prepared using the co-precipitation technique and were exposed to fast neutron irradiation via pneumatic transfer system (PTS) with a neutron flux of 2.5 × 1012 n cm−2 s−1 from 60 to 660 s which are equivalent to neutron fluences of 1.55 × 1014 to 1.70 × 1015 n cm−2. The non-irradiated sample was dominantly Bi-2223 phase (85%) as shown by X-ray diffraction patterns. However, after irradiation, the volume fraction of the Bi-2223 was reduced and the (Bi1.6Pb0.4)Sr2CaCu2O8 (Bi-2212) phase increased, resulting in an almost 50:50 ratio of Bi-2223:Bi-2212. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis indicated the presence of Zn and Po in some irradiated samples due to neutron activation. The onset transition temperature (Tc-onset) and zero transition temperature (Tc-zero) for the non-irradiated sample was 118 K and 105 K, respectively. The irradiated samples showed lower Tc-onset (112 to 115 K) and Tc-zero (100 to 104 K). AC susceptibility showed a transition temperature (Tcχ′) around 108 to 109 K. The imaginary part of the susceptibility showed intergranular loss peak temperature (Tp) from 89 to 96 K. Intermediate fluence of fast neutron irradiation did not affect the intergrain coupling and pinning strength of (Bi1.6Pb0.4)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10. However, higher fluence severely damaged the microstructure and degraded the flux pinning strength of (Bi1.6Pb0.4)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10.

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Funding

This study was funded by the Universiti Tenaga National (no. 202210021YCU) and the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia (no. FRGS/1/2020/STG07/UKM/01/1).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Physics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

    Madihah Mujaini, K. Muhammad-Najib, Rozidawati Awang, Fatin Saiha Omar & R. Abd-Shukor

  2. Center for Nuclear Energy, College of Engineering, IKRAM-UNITEN, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia

    Madihah Mujaini, A. B. P. Ilhamsyah & Nasri A. Hamid

  3. Reactor Technology Centre, Technical Support Division, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia

    Faridah Mohamad Idris & Abi Muttaqin Jalal Bayar

Authors
  1. Madihah Mujaini
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  2. A. B. P. Ilhamsyah
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  3. K. Muhammad-Najib
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  9. R. Abd-Shukor
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Contributions

MM prepared the samples, performed the electrical resistance and AC susceptibility measurements, analyzed the data, and wrote the initial draft of the paper. ABPI and MNK analyzed the XRD and SEM data. NAH, RA, and FSA verified the data analysis. MM, FMI, and AMJB performed the neutron irradiation experiments and data analysis. RAS designed the experiment and wrote the final version of the paper.

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Correspondence to Madihah Mujaini.

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Mujaini, M., Ilhamsyah, A.B.P., Muhammad-Najib, K. et al. Fast Neutron Irradiation Effects on (Bi1.6Pb0.4)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 Superconductor Prepared Using Co-precipitation Technique. J Supercond Nov Magn 36, 101–110 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10948-022-06480-6

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