Improvement of microstructure and mechanical properties of large single domain GdBaCuO superconductor with low void density

Abstract

We fabricated large single domain of GdBaCuO (Gd-123) densified superconductor with a seeding and temperature gradient method in oxygen at the melt stage then in air at the growth stage for future applications such as a superconducting flywheel for energy storage system, magnetic separation, motor, current lead, and a bulk magnet. The innovative melt-textured single domain of Gd-123 system superconductor with low void density was about 46mm in diameter and 15mm in thickness. Gd-123 densified superconductors are expected to have high Jc and trapped magnetic field properties with higher mechanical strength. In this paper, we discuss processing, superconducting and mechanical properties of the densified Gd-123 bulk for improving the microstructure and strength of the RE-123 bulk. The relation between the microstructure and the flexural strength of the Gd-123 bulk was clearly shown.