Deformation processing of YBa2Cu3O(sub x)

Generalized plasticity of polycrystalline YBa2 Cu3 O sub x at high temperatures was achieved by diffusional flow; from 850 to 980 C, strain rates of approximately 10 (exp -4) s(exp -1) were obtained without fracture. The strain rate for a given stress and temperature increased with decreasing oxygen partial pressure. Although dislocations are mobile at elevated temperature, they are limited almost exclusively to the basal planes and hence deformation from their motion does not contribute significantly to total strain.