Critical current density in (YBa2Cu3O7−δ)1−x-(PrBa2Cu3O7−δ)x melt-textured composites

Melt textured (YBa2Cu3O7−δ)1−x-(PrBa2Cu3O7−δ)x composites (x = 0.00 and x = 0.05) were grown using the top seeding method. The effect of the PrBa2Cu3O7−δ phase on the growth process and the modification of the microstructure as well as on the physical properties was analyzed. X-ray analyses indicated that both pure and Pr-doped samples present an orthorhombic superconducting phase. From resistivity measurements for YBa2Cu3O7−δ and (YBa2Cu3O7−δ)0.95-(PrBa2Cu3O7−δ)0.05 samples, the Tcab did not change and was around 90.5 K. However, from magnetic measurements, the superconductivity was observed in critical temperatures TC = 92.9 K and 92.4 K for YBa2Cu3O7−δ and (YBa2Cu3O7−δ)0.95-(PrBa2Cu3O7−δ)0.05 samples, respectively. The YBa2Cu3O7−δ sample showed higher critical current densities than those shown by the (YBa2Cu3O7−δ)0.95-(PrBa2Cu3O7−δ)0.05 sample, with values of JC = 5.85 × 105 A/cm2 and 4.72 × 105 A/cm2, respectively. This paper also discusses the importance of Pr substitution on nano- and micro-meter scales to enhance JC(H).