Wrapped tantalum diffusion barrier
AssigneeAirco, Inc.
InventorsMorris S. Young, David C. Larbalestier
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Abstract
A multifilamentary stabilized superconductor of the A-15 type is disclosed wherein the A-15 compound is formed on rods of niobium or vanadium by diffusion of tin or gallium, respectively, from a copper alloy matrix and wherein stabilization is provided by an external layer of copper. The stabilizing copper is protected from tin or gallium diffusion by a number of spirally wrapped layers of tantalum separated from one another by copper layers.
Claims4
A process for manufacturing a multifilamentary stabilized superconductor of the A.sub.3 B type in which A.sub.3 B is selected from the group consisting of Nb.sub.3 Sn and V.sub.3 Ga, comprising:
- preparing a billet of Cu and the B material having rods of the A material embedded therein;
- working this billet to an intermediate shape and size;
- wrapping the worked billet with a foil of Ta, such that at least one complete layer of Ta is formed around said worked billet;
- inserting a foil of a softer metal than Ta between any overlapping portions of the Ta foil, so that Ta-to-Ta contact is prevented;
- enclosing this wrapped assembly in a Cu tube;
- working this enclosed wrapped assembly to a desired final shape and size;
- and
- heat treating the finally formed assembly in order to form the A.sub.3 B compound at the interfaces between the A material and the B material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.