| Abstract Scope |
Nb3Sn superconductor wires are the leading option for next-generation particle accelerator magnets, which require heat treatment. Additions of Hf to Nb precursor alloys assist in maintaining finer grain sizes, which result in increased superconductor performance. However, increased demand and reliance on constrained resources such as Hf poses sustainability concerns for future projects, i.e. Future Circular Collider and the development of refractory multi-principal element alloys (RMPEAs). To identify cost effective alternatives, a series of binary Nb-X alloys, including X=Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Ta, Mo, W, and Re, were fabricated and cold rolled to observe the effects of composition and deformation energy on recrystallization and grain growth processes. Samples were heat treated and resulting microstructures were characterized. Thermomechanical processability and mechanical properties of the alloys were also assessed. These results will inform the development of RMPEAs for superconductor and aerospace applications. |