SHAPE-FORMED CERAMIC SUPERCONDUCTORS BY SLIP-CASTING

In order to rigorously test emerging applications using prototypes and pilot designs, high temperature superconductor (HTS) materials must b e fabricated into a variety of shapes in an economical manner. We have developed a simple, economical, ceramic slip-casting approach to form complex shaped monolithic HTS articles for which high bulk density ha s been achieved. The sintered articles exhibit good Meissner signal an d consist of phase-pure HTSC phase. A low transport critical current d ensity is observed and is explained on the basis of densification and grain growth.