The focus of this research is in the area of high-temperature ceramic superconductors involving the production of a superconducting fiber and further to produce a superconducting cable from a collection of superconducting fibers. For the production of superconductive fibers a new piggyback process is employed. Hollow or c-shaped carbon fibers serving as micromolds are dipped in a ceramic precursor, then dried and fired. Through atmospheric control, either ceramic or ceramic/carbon fibers result. The presence of carbon promotes added strength, toughness, abrasion resistance, and crack resistance in the fiber. Precursors can be either of the wet chemical (sol-gel) type or particulate suspensions. Both methods will be examined. The most difficult aspect of the procedure is the determination of an adequate firing schedule. Production of bicomponent fibers (ceramic/carbon) will be investigated first. Although ceramic superconductors are usually formed at high temperatures, recent experiments indicate that formation reactions take place at fairly low temperatures. Both high and low temperature formations will be investigated. This project involves a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach which includes knowledge of fiber physics, textile science, mechanical engineering, solid state chemistry, and ceramic engineering and processing.
