Optimization of seeding conditions for the fabrication of c-axis-oriented large NdBCO–Ag grains

Abstract

NdBCO large-grain materials can improve the performance of engineering devices based on superconducting bulk materials if c-axis-oriented large grains can be produced in large quantities under simple processing conditions. This study concentrates on exploring the factors dictating the seeding behavior and the subsequent growth morphology of Ag-doped NdBCO grains under relatively high oxygen partial pressure using NdBCO seeds and a simple processing system. It was found that seeding temperature, aspect ratio of seed, and amount of Ag were all important factors affecting the success rate of inducing c-axis-oriented growths. With the optimized seeding conditions and in view of the simplicity of the processing system, the processing conditions derived from this study could lead to the up-scaling of NdBCO–Ag large-grain materials production.