Development of Excess y2BaCuO5 During Directional Growth of YBa2Cu3Ox

Abstract

The superconducting compound YBa2Cu3Ox was prepared by directional solidification. Composition analysis revealed that directionally grown YBa2Cu3Ox was heavily enriched with yttrium. When part of YBa2Cu3Ox melted to Y2BaCuO5 and liquid, Ba-Cu rich liquid wetted the surfaces and pores of adjacent YBa2Cu3Ox. As a result, the melt zone contained Y2BaCuO5 in excess. These excess Y2BaCuO5 particles are believed to eliminate the unreacted liquid phases which otherwise remain impairing superconducting properties.