Electrodeposited High Critical Temperature Superconductor Tape Conductor. NSF

摘要

Large scale applications of electrical conductors comprising high temperatureceramic superconductors (HTSC) require that high critical currents be achieved, that conductors are economically produced, and that the HTSC layer is both mechanically and chemically stabilized. To achieve improved strength with high critical current and acceptable mechanical and chemical stability, researchers are developing a multicomponent structure comprising a metal-composite HTSC layer sandwiched between a stainless steel foil substrate and a metal cladding layer in tape configuration. Passivation of the HTSC layer must be achieved by the metal cladding layer. The layer must also provide a parallel conducting path and facilitate thermal sinking. Conventional cladding processes expose the laminate to elevated temperatures and mechanical stress which can degrade properties of the HTSC layer. The feasibility of electrodepositing the metal cladding layer has been investigated. Copper and silver were electrodepositied from metal salts dissolved in nonaqueous solvents. Properties of the cladding layer, and electrical and physical properties of tapes clad by this approach are reported.