Effects of NbC addition on the critical current density of MgB₂ tapes

NbC-added MgB2 tapes with different heating temperatures were prepared through the in situ powder-in-tube method. The effect of NbC additions on the MgB2/Fe tapes was investigated. The results show that the sintered temperature has a remarkable effect on the critical current density (J(C)) of NbC-added samples. Compared to pure tapes, the field J(C) at either 4.2 or 20 K is much improved in the NbC-added samples sintered at 800 degrees C. The mechanism of J(C) enhancement by NbC addition is also discussed.