Magnetic and microstructural properties of YBa<SUB>2</SUB>Cu<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>7-x</SUB> - Ag composite

The magnetic response of YBa2Cu3O7-x-5 mol% Ag composite to low-frequency magnetic field and its microstructure have been studied. Microstructural analysis shows evidence of platelet-type grain growth and silver fills the intergranular regions. The granular nature of the sample is revealed from the strong decrease in a.c. response in the presence of d.c. magnetic field. The intergranular shielding current estimated from the complex response and using the Bean's model sharply increases with temperature below transition temperature