Optimization of ternary LRE–Ba–Cu–O materials for use at liquid oxygen temperature

Abstract

The paper refers on advances in fabrication of mixed LREBa 2Cu 3O y (LRE: Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd; combinations NEG-123, NSG-123, and SEG-123) composites developed for bulk applications at liquid oxygen temperature. In order to enhance flux pinning over 90 K, we introduced to the 123 systems a ball-milled Gd 2BaCuO 5 powder in various average sizes ranging from 200 to <70 nm. In all these compounds Zr-rich nanoscale particles were formed that improved magnetic performance up to 90 K. As a result, levitation experiments with these ternary systems cooled by liquid oxygen were performed.