Physical and mechanical properties of YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) superconductors
Abstract
The physical and mechanical properties of YBa2Cu3O(7 - delta) superconductors are examined. These properties are related to powder preparation method, powder characteristics, sintering behavior and sintered microstructure. The sintering atmosphere and sintering schedules affect the final microstructure very strongly and determine, in conjunction with starting powder characteristics, the sintered density. The mechanical properties such as Young's modulus, bend strength and critical stress intensity factor (fracture toughness) are measured and related to microstructure as determined by electron microscopy. Control of microstructure by careful powder selection and sintering schedule is seen as key to optimizing the physical and mechanical properties of the material. Finally, attention is drawn to fabrication techniques and how these must be optimized in order to realize the mechanical properties which are necessary if these are to be useful as engineering materials. Comparisons between fabrication techniques show that uniaxial powder pressing suffers from limitations in terms of specimen complexity and densification, whereas the favored route, termed 'viscous processing,' gives a more homogeneous microstructure, higher strength and allows near-theoretical density to be achieved.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Materials Science
- Pub Date:
- March 1988
- DOI:
- 10.1007/BF01153964
- Bibcode:
- 1988JMatS..23..761A
- Keywords:
-
- Barium Compounds;
- High Temperature Superconductors;
- Mechanical Properties;
- Physical Properties;
- Stress Intensity Factors;
- Yttrium Compounds;
- Copper Oxides;
- Fracture Strength;
- Microstructure;
- Modulus Of Elasticity;
- Solid-State Physics