Superconducting Cu/Nb nanolaminate by coded accumulative roll bonding and its helium damage characteristics

Rui Gao, Miaomiao Jin, Fei Han, Baoming Wang, Xianping Wang, Qianfeng Fang, Yanhao Dong, Cheng Sun, Lin Shao, Mingda Li, Ju Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

A very broad distribution of microstructural length scales spanning few nm- to the μm-scale has proven effective to achieve exceptional materials properties. Here, we fabricate a Cu/Nb two-phase composite made of a hierarchically layered structure by modifying the conventional accumulative roll bonding (ARB) technique, where fresh Nb sheets are inserted and bonded during a repeated stacking and rolling process. This barcode-like multilayer with a designed hierarchical length scale distribution possesses densely distributed phase boundaries and rich interfacial structures. The composite demonstrates similar superconductivity characteristics as pure Nb, but is 3 × stronger, has theoretically better oxidation resistance, and retains considerable ductility. Under the helium irradiation environment, the unique interfacial structures featuring chemical intermixing zones (3-dimensional) are more immune to the formation of large helium clusters than atomically sharp interfaces (2-dimensional), screening them from radiation damage and improving their long-term mechanical integrity. This work signifies an effective strategy of constructing hierarchical laminates to achieve high-performance materials, which holds promise in fusion and fission energy applications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)212-223
Number of pages12
JournalActa Materialia
Volume197
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 15 2020

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Metals and Alloys

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