Microstructural analysis of superconducting ceramics
Abstract
Scanning electron and polarized light microscopy were used to analyze the microstructures of high-T(sub c) superconducting materials in the Y-Ba-Cu-O and Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O systems. The superconducting properties of Y1Ba2Cu3O(sub 7-x) samples were found to be strongly affected by the microstructural changes that result from different sintering and heat treatments. Second phases, such as BaCuO2 and CuO2, were identified by backscattered electron imaging and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Polarized light microscopy was used to study the twinned structure and phase transformation of the Y-Ba-Cu-O system. The results of microstructural analysis show a consistent correlation between the superconducting and microstructural properties. The process of tetragonal-to-orthorhombic phase transformation was clearly revealed by polarized light microscopy. Crystallization of rapidly solidified Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O(sub x) glass was studied by means of secondary electron imaging. In addition, special techniques were developed for sample preparation.
- Publication:
-
Presented at the Inter/Micro-88 Conference
- Pub Date:
- 1988
- Bibcode:
- 1988inmi.conf.....S
- Keywords:
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- Ceramics;
- Crystallization;
- Grain Boundaries;
- Grain Size;
- Microstructure;
- Phase Transformations;
- Sintering;
- Superconductivity;
- Superconductors;
- Barium Oxides;
- Bismuth Oxides;
- Calcium Oxides;
- Copper Oxides;
- Heat Treatment;
- Microscopy;
- Strontium Compounds;
- Yttrium Oxides;
- Solid-State Physics