Gamma irradiation effects on EuBa2Cu3O7 high temperature superconductor

The Eu1Ba2Cu3O7 superconductor are synthesized using the solid state reaction method. The effect of gamma irradiation on transport properties and kinetic parameters of high-temperature ceramic Eu1Ba2Cu3O7 superconductor has been investigated. The bulk samples, prepared by the standard solid state reaction method, were irradiated by gamma rays of different doses in the range 0–30 kGy at room temperature. Structure characterization using X-ray diffraction shows that decrease in the peak intensity represents a reduction in the content of the superconducting phase. The resistivity measurements are performed using the four-probe method in the temperature range from 77 to 300 K. The changes in transition temperature show that Tc is very sensitive to gamma irradiation. The effects of irradiation on surface morphology have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The kinetic parameters have been estimated by thermogravimetric analysis.

► The effect of gamma irradiation on Eu1Ba2Cu3O7 superconductor has been investigated.
► Samples were irradiated at dose levels of 10, 20 and 30 kGy.
► Four-probe resistivity measurements, XRD, SEM and TGA were used for characterization.
► XRD results indicate the existence of a single phase.
► A shift in the Tc value toward lower temperatures for irradiated samples is obvious.