The effect of deformation by drawing at 77 K on the microstructure, critical current, and mechanical properties of Nb–Ti alloys

The structure and current-carrying capacity of the alloy Nb–51.5% Ti in the superconducting state is studied after large plastic deformations at 77 and 300 K and subsequent annealing. It is found that the specific nature of the defect structure of the alloy subjected to low-temperature strain considerably intensifies the diffusive decomposition of β-solid solution and increases the bulk concentration of the α-phase at the initial stages of annealing. In turn, this causes a noticeable increase in the critical current density.