Annealing effects on the magnetic properties of a multifilamentary Cu–Nb composite

In this paper, the annealing effects on the magnetic properties of a multifilamentary Cu–15vol%Nb composite were investigated. During vacuum annealing, noticeable changes take place in the microstructure, mostly the partial spheroidization and further coarsening of the niobium filaments. Results show that spheroidization becomes noticeable at about 700 °C and, even after annealing at severe conditions, e.g. 1050 °C for 32 h, the continuity of the niobium-conducting path is partially preserved. The influence of these microstructural changes on the magnetic properties of the multifilamentary Cu–Nb composite conductor is discussed.