The Properties of Multifilamentary Wires on Nb₃Sn Base Prepared by the Hydroextrusion Method

Abstract

One of the most promising methods of preparing superconductors is a solid phase diffusion method.^1–3 The method has been known long enough and has been adopted by many laboratories of the world. However, wires, including multifilamentary ones, prepared from material of this class on an industrial scale are restricted. This is mainly because bronzes, in particular the tin bronzes being used by the solid-phase diffusion method in preparing Nb₃Sn superconductors, possess a low plasticity, and therefore they are difficult to process in the traditional ways (hot pressing and drawing). Hot pressing, as the first stage of fabrication, is usually made in the temperature range where diffusion processes with formation of Nb₃Sn compounds may effectively proceed. A drawing is accompanied by frequent thermal treatments that promote additional formation of brittle intermetallic compound, making it difficult to treat the substance further.