On the melt processed YBa2Cu3O7−x physico-chemical characterization

Description

We determined the proper conditions to obtain superconducting samples by melting. Two preparation methods were investigated: arc melting of YBa2Cu3O7 prereacted powders at about 1900°C and partial melting at T = 1080°C, just 50°C above the peritectic decomposition of YBa2Cu3O7. The latter one revealed itself a one-step technique to obtain high Tc superconductors by melting. Micrographic, structural, electric and magnetic characterizations of these materials are reported and compared with the corresponding properties of the more traditional sintered samples: the best results were obtained for the partially melted samples annealed in flowing oxygen at suitable temperature.

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