The effect of excess Y2O3 addition on the mechanical properties of melt-processed YBCO superconductor

In this study, two kinds of melt-processed YBCO samples with Y2O3 addition were fabricated and their microstructures were defined by XRD analysis and polarized light optical microscopy. The mechanical properties of these compounds have been investigated by measuring the Vickers hardness. The superconducting transition temperature was determined by inductive measurements for oxygenated and non-oxygenated samples. The compacted powders were located on a crucible with a buffer layer of Y2O3 and a crucible with Y2O3 powder freely poured to avoid liquid to spread on the furnace plate. It was found that the sample located on crucible with freely poured Y2O3 powder has shown almost single crystal and indicated a very sharp transition curve