Using a SQUID-VSM magnetometer, we measured the magnetic moment as functions of applied magnetic field and temperature, denoted m(H) and m(T), respectively, for untreated MgB2 powder and MgB2 powders heat-treated in an Ar atmosphere. To quantify the symmetry and asymmetry of the magnetic hysteresis loops, we decomposed the m(H) data into symmetric and asymmetric components, denoted by |Δm(H)| and |Σ(H)|, respectively, and attributed these components to bulk pinning and surface barriers. For all samples investigated, the magnitude of the symmetric component was approximately two to three times that of the asymmetric component. The degree of asymmetry was further quantified using an asymmetry index, η(H) = |Σ(H)| / |Δm(H)|. In addition, the critical current density, Jc ∞ ΔM, can be estimated for each sample using the conventional Bean critical-state model. The variation in the irreversible magnetization ΔM with heat-treatment temperature, Tan, was examined in relation to changes in the asymmetry index. In particular, the increase in ΔM at Tan = 800 °C relative to that at 750 °C coincided with a pronounced decrease in the asymmetry index. This decrease was accompanied by an increase in the ΔM value, which may be related to the higher Jc value estimated by the Bean model.
Ho Cheol Hwang [ Division of Science Education and Institute of Fusion Science, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea ]
Kyu Jeong Song [ Division of Science Education and Institute of Fusion Science, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea ]
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