Microstructure and critical current density of zone melt textured YBa2Cu3O6 + with Y2BaCuO5 additions

Abstract

Extruded wires of YBa2Cu3O6 + x With Y2BaCuO5 (211) additions were zone melted to produce textured microstructures. Excess 211 was introduced in order to observe its effect on the transport properties and the microstructure. Highly aligned microstructures can be produced with a−b planes oriented along the axis of the wires. 211 additions appear to modify the microstructure, with YBCO platelet thickness decreasing with increasing 211 additions. Magnetization and transport measurements show a decrease in Jc with increasing 211 additions.