Two channel heat conduction in the superconducting state of the as-cast V1−xZrx alloys

• Published in: Physica. B, Condensed matter Condensed matter, 2020-01, Vol.577, p.1, Article 411763
• Main Authors: Paul, Sabyasachi, L.S., Sharath Chandra, Chattopadhyay, M.K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alloys; Conduction heating; Conductive heat transfer; Heat transfer; Metallography; Multiple structural phases; Phases; Photomicrographs; Superconductivity; Temperature; Temperature dependence; Thermal conductivity; V-Zr alloys; Zirconium
• ISSN: 0921-4526; 1873-2135
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physb.2019.411763

We present here the temperature dependence of heat capacity ( C (T)) and thermal conductivity (κ (T)) in the superconducting state as well as in the normal state of as-cast V1−xZrx alloys. Distinct jumps in the C (T) of the alloys indicate the presence of three superconducting phases with transition temperatures TC1 = 5.4 K, TC2 = 8.2 K and TC3 = 8.5 K. From the metallography micrographs, these three phases are identified to be β-V, γ-ZrV2, and γ′-ZrV2 respectively. Apart from these phases, α-Zr and β-Zr phases are also detected in these samples. The experimental κ (T) in the superconducting state of these alloys is observed to be significantly higher than that expected theoretically. Our analysis suggests that the above observation is due to the coexistence of multiple superconducting and non superconducting phases which resulted in the two-parallel channels for the conduction of heat. •Excess thermal conductivity in the superconducting state.•Role of different structural phases on the thermal conductivity of V1−xZrx alloys.•Role of different scattering mechanism to the thermal conductivity in V1−xZrx alloys.•Parallel conduction model.