The 'dense' potential of nanostructured superconductors: Scientists use unconventional spark plasma sintering method to prepare highly dense superconducting bulk magnesium diboride with a high current density

Spark plasma sintering (SPS) is a process that uses high-pressure and pulsed electric current to turn powders into dense solids. In a recent study, a team of researchers used SPS to prepare bulk magnesium diboride with a density that reached 95% of the theoretical limit for the material. The highly dense material also exhibited excellent superconducting properties, holding much promise for its applications in superconducting motors, generators, and transport.