Influence of sintering temperature on the superconducting properties of YBa 2Cu 3O 7− x

Abstract

The influence of different sintering temperatures ( T s=880–930°C) on the superconducting properties of ceramic YBa 2Cu 3O 7− x determined by X-ray diffraction, SEM and DC magnetic measurements are reported. A higher T s increases the sample density, the grain size and the fraction of superconducting volume. Up to T s=900°C the superconducting properties of the grains are not changed, although at higher sintering temperatures the grains are better homogenized, leading to a reduced critical current density within the grains and a sharper transition. In spite of this, the transport critical current density increases up to T s=920°C and is drastically reduced for T s=930°C.