Sintering and Microstructure - Property Relations for YBa2Cu3Ox

Abstract

The recent discovery of high temperature superconductivity in YBa2Cu3O7 has led to intense activity in the processing of these oxides. The earliest attempts to synthesize these materials were based on solid state routes. These routes do not produce highly sinterable powders. Solution routes can potentially produce much more sinterable powders. We have investigated several synthesis routes - both solid state and solution. The details of these will be presented elsewhere(1). Here, we contrast the physical properties and the densification behavior of powders made via solid state and solution routes. We also present preliminary results on the microstructural characterization and electrical properties of the sintered samples.