Sintering time dependence of iron diffusion in MgB2 and its effect on superconducting properties

We have investigated the effects of the iron diffusion on the crystal structure and superconducting properties of pelletised magnesium diboride (MgB2) bulk samples employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), critical transition temperature, and room temperature resistivity measurements. The Fe diffusion into MgB2 bulk pellets upon sintering at 900°C has been studied for sintering time durations of 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours. We have carried out XRD and room temperature resistivity determinations along the depth starting from iron coated surface by successive removal of thin layers from the surface mechanically. Sintering time dependence of the Fe diffusion coefficients has been calculated from depth profiles of lattice parameter c and room temperature resistivity values. It has been found that the Fe diffusion coefficient decreases with increasing sintering time.