Investigation on MgB2 wires doped by ZrH2

ZrH2-doped MgB2 wires, with the component of Mg:ZrH2:B= (1-x):x:2(x = 0, 5, 8, and 10%), were fabricated through thein situ powder-in-tube method by using low-carbon steel tube as the sheath material Samples were sintered at 750 degrees C for 1h in a flow of high-purity argon.The lattice parameters a and c of MgB(2)exhibit a little decrease with the doping of ZrH2.J(c)(B)property of MgB(2)wires are improved gradually with the increase of x, reaches the best whenx = 8%, but decreases significantlywhen x = 10%. The decrease of MgB(2)grain size, the excellent grain connection, and the substitution of Zr4+ for Mg2+ which is caused by the doping of ZrH2, are responsiblefor the enhancement of J(c)(B)property forthe doped MgB(2)wires.