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Processing, microstructure, and properties of directionally solidified Y-Ba-Cu-O and related compounds

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:7068397
Directional solidification through float zone melting and flux pinning enhancement through microstructural variation were used to investigate the fundamental properties of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 6+X}(YBCO) (0 < x < 1) based materials. Float zone melting was performed both under small and large temperature gradients in order to better understand the nature of the peritectic reaction during solidification. Wires fabricated by extrusion were the precursors for this investigation. During zone melting, the phases that solidify from the melt, the morphology, and the composition were altered by processing temperature (T), temperature gradient (G), and growth rate (R). Unusual behavior associated with the nucleation and growth of YBCO during the peritectic reaction were observed. Possible mechanisms of the nucleation and growth of the YBCO phase are discussed. YBCO was doped with silver oxide, which resulted in a lower contact electrical resistivity. Fine impurity particles of 211 and BaSnO{sub 3} were successfully introduced into the YBCO material in order to study the effects on the solidification processes and the flux-pinning mechanisms.
Research Organization:
Notre Dame Univ., IN (United States)
OSTI ID:
7068397
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English