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Grain alignment in bulk YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub [ital x]] superconductor by a low temperature phase transformation method

Journal Article · · Applied Physics Letters; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.112256· OSTI ID:7261237
; ;  [1]
  1. Metals and Ceramics Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak, Ridge, Tennessee 37831-6116 (United States)

A quench and directional phase transformation process has been developed to achieve grain alignment in bulk YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub [ital x]] superconductors at temperatures about 100 [degree]C below the peritectic temperature. Isothermal phase transformation of quenched precursors at 890 [degree]C for 3 min is found to result in the formation of more than 75% of YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub [ital x]] phase without any formation of Y[sub 2]BaCuO[sub 5]. Phase transformation at higher temperatures leads to rapid formation of Y[sub 2]BaCuO[sub 5] in addition to YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub [ital x]]. A well-aligned microstructure is achieved by directional phase transformation of the quenched compacts as a rate of 10 mm/h. The magnetic field dependence of the critical current density at 77 K of the directionally phase transformed material compares well with that of melt-textured YBCO and is superior to that of magnetically aligned and sintered YBCO.

DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
7261237
Journal Information:
Applied Physics Letters; (United States), Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters; (United States) Vol. 65:5; ISSN APPLAB; ISSN 0003-6951
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English