Effect of Low Temperature Pre-Heating on Properties of Superconducting YBa₂Cu₃O_x Ceramics Prepared by Chemical Solution Process

Abstract

The effect of low temperature pre-heating (LTPH) in the ranges of 350°C to 500°C was studied on the characteristics of YBa₂Cu₃O_7-δ ceramics prepared by sintering the starting powders of mixed Y(OH)₃, Cu(OH)₂ and Ba-metal in ethanol solution. A critical current density of about 10³A/cm² was achieved in spite of the samples of large cross-sectional areas of 0.03-0.04cm² by LTPH treatment of 500°C for 10-100h. It was found that the LTPH treatment removes water and other gases from the starting powder and also induces a uniform distribution of various constituent elements, especially oxygen.