High Tc dual phase Ag-YBa2Cu3O7?x composites prepared by selective laser sintering and infiltration

Abstract

Bulk porous samples of YBa2Cu3O7−x were made from powders by selective laser sintering, a near-net-shape forming technology requiring no part-specific tooling. The porous parts were densified by infiltrating silver into the pores, resulting in a dense, dual-phase superconducting composite. The laser-processing parameters were varied to obtain the optimum microstructure. The laser-sintered parts required oxygen annealing after infiltration to restore the orthorhombic, superconducting structure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Tc measurements indicated that some impurity phases were present in samples processed under aggressive laser conditions.