Mechanical properties of the iron-based superconductor SmFeAsO1-xFx

We have investigated the mechanical properties of the iron-based superconductor (FeSC) SmFeAsO1−xFx (Sm1111) with a wide doping range 0.09 ≤ x ≤ 0.3 by performing the Vickers microhardness test. The estimated Vickers microhardness number (Hv ) was analysed using Meyer's law, Hays-Kendall approach, elastic/plastic deformation (EPD) model and proportional specimen resistance (PSR) model, where the PSR model showed the best match with our experimental data. Hv values showed an increase as x increases, indicating that fluorine doping results in an improvement in the mechanical properties of the Sm1111 compound and makes it more convenient for applications.