A Top-seeding-melt-texturing (TSMT) process is investigated by quenchi
ng, in order to understand the growth mechanism better. A SmBa2Cu3O7 m
elt-processed crystal has been used as a seed crystal for growing a la
rge single-grain YBa2Cu3O7 (Y-123) pellet in a Y-123/Y-211 composite w
ith PtO2-addition. It was found that the growth is three-dimensional w
ith a growth ratio R-100/R-001 close to 1. By comparing the seeded and
un-seeded pellets, quenched at different temperatures during growth s
tage, their difference in nucleation temperatures were identified. Thi
s causes the appearance of a temperature window in which the growth of
a large single-grain monolith can be realized. Finally, the growth fr
ont morphology was observed and the growth mechanism is discussed in t
erms of a highly supersaturated melt by the dissolution of Y-211 parti
cles. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.