YSmBaCuO5 distribution within Y0.5Sm0.5Ba2Cu3O7−x superconductors fabricated by infiltration and side-seeded melt-growth process

This study examined the effects of a side seed on the phase distribution of YSmBaCuO5 (2 1 1) within Y0.5Sm0.5Ba2Cu3O7−x (1 2 3) phases and the superconducting properties of 1 2 3 superconductors. The superconductors were fabricated by infiltration and side-seeded melt-growth (ISSMG) processing. The optimum condition for preparing the 1 2 3 superconductor with well-distributed 2 1 1 phase was obtained when the 2 1 1 to Ba3Cu5O8 (0 3 5) ratio was 1:1.2. The particle size of the 2 1 1 phases was sensitive to the heat-treatment temperature, atmosphere, and crystallographic planes in the 1 2 3 phases at high temperature. The size of the pores and 2 1 1 phases decreased when the fabrication method was changed from a top seed to a side seed, and all the second phase was distributed homogeneously. Overall, the superconducting characteristics of 1 2 3 superconductors were also enhanced by the improved microstructure.