Superconducting Tape Silver Overlayer Oxygenation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superconductor manufacturing processes are inefficient, leading to high yield losses and increased costs due to lengthy oxygenation steps and manual handling, which can damage the high-value-added superconducting tapes.
Innovation Solution
A method that reduces the oxygenation time to 30 minutes at 400°C and eliminates the second oxygenation step, along with silver deposition at temperatures below 250°C, and electroplating of copper, to streamline the process and minimize handling risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional oxygenation heat treatment is conducted for more than 20 hours, then the superconducting film achieves proper oxygenation and performance, but the manufacturing time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the oxygenation parameters by conducting the heat treatment in two stages: first at a higher temperature (400-500°C) for a shorter duration (5-10 minutes) to rapidly oxygenate the bulk, then at a lower temperature (200-300°C) for a longer duration (1-4 hours) to complete the oxygenation. This parameter transformation reduces total processing time from over 20 hours to approximately 5-8 hours while maintaining film performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual handling is performed during oxygenation steps, then the process can be completed, but the high-value-added superconducting tapes are prone to damage and yield loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary protective coating to the superconducting film before the oxygenation process. This protective layer prevents damage during handling and transport between processing steps, thereby maintaining high yield rates while allowing the oxygenation process to be performed effectively.
3Manufacturing precision
If silver deposition is conducted at conventional temperatures, then the silver layer forms properly, but the overall manufacturing process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous processing where the silver deposition is performed immediately after the reduced-time oxygenation step without intermediate cooling or handling. This continuous action maintains production flow and increases throughput while ensuring proper silver layer formation through controlled deposition parameters.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces manufacturing time, maintains critical current performance, and enhances the microstructure and mechanical properties of the superconducting tapes, such as increased hardness and reduced porosity, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Silver deposition is typically conducted by magnetron sputtering or evaporation
Implementation Method 2
oxygenation heat treatment in an oxygen ambient
Implementation Method 3
oxygenation heat treatment in an oxygen ambient
Implementation Method 4
Electroplating, Electroless plating, lamination or other bonding techniques may be used to apply the copper stabilizer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a superconducting article comprising a silver overlayer consisting of no more than about 20% of grains over about 1 μm, having a minimum Vickers micro-hardness value of about 100, and a porosity of less than about 1%. A method of manufacturing a superconducting tape is disclosed as comprising, deposition of silver, oxygenation at about 400° C. for about 30 minutes, slitting, deposition of silver at a temperature of less than about 250° C., and application of copper.