Effect of infiltration temperature on the properties of infiltration growth processed YBCO superconductor

Abstract

The importance of optimizing the fabrication of the Y2BaCuO5 (Y-211) preform in achieving high current densities to high magnetic fields has recently been established. We report the effect of the choice of infiltration temperature 1040°C (sample A) and 1100°C (sample B) on the microstructure, magnetic properties and mechanical strength. Both the samples showed [103] texture after slow cooling through peritectic temperature. Infiltration at higher temperature is found to yield highly dense composites with minimal macrodefects and higher hardness of 18.73GPa in sample B. Both the samples show uniform distribution of Y-211and comparable zero-field critical current density. High current densities are retained to a higher field of 7T in sample B, unlike 2T in sample A. The occurrence of [103] texture promoting higher hardness, simultaneous with retention of considerably high current density to high fields in sample B has definite advantages for trapped field applications.