An innovative approach to fabricate MgB2/Fe IMD wires by magnesium powder method

A novel method is presented for the production of the in-situ MgB2/Fe mono-core internal magnesium diffusion (IMD) processed wires by using Mg powder instead of Mg rod to accomplish internal diffusion of magnesium into semi-crystalline boron powder. The MgB2/Fe wires were cold drawn to 0.81 mm diameter. The structural investigation of superconducting MgB2 layers was completed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. There are no traces of unreacted magnesium in the central region after Mg/B reaction. The use of magnesium powder increases the reaction rate and provides rapid Mg diffusion. The Mg powder method is also effective in reducing boron-rich regions in MgB2 IMD wires.