ISSN:
1089-7550
Source:
AIP Digital Archive
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
The effect of silver (Ag) solubility on microstructure and superconducting properties of YBa2Cu3−xAgxO7−δ (0≤x≤0.5) superconductors has been evaluated. The solubility limit of Ag for copper sites in YBCO at ambient conditions (room temperature, atmospheric pressure) was evaluated to be x(approximately-equal-to)0.06. Analysis revealed the Ag content (x) of YBCO grains to be lower than the nominal Ag content (xn) used for fabrication, probably due to processing-related problems. Part of the Ag used for fabrication segregates on the YBCO grain boundaries. The segregated Ag particles are believed to pin YBCO grains, resulting in fine-grain microstructures. For low nominal Ag content, xn〈0.2, critical current density (Jc) increased from 98 to 160 A/cm2 as a function of increasing Ag content. These improvements are believed to be due to the increased oxygen content and associated microstructural changes in the YBCO. For higher nominal Ag content, xn(approximately-greater-than)0.2, however, Jc decreased rapidly with the increasing Ag content due to the precipitation of nonsuperconducting phases.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.351088
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