ROLE OF OXYGEN ON YBACUO SOLIDIFICATION AS SEEN FROM HIGH-TEMPERATUREIN-SITU SUSCEPTIBILITY MEASUREMENTS

YBaCuO solidification in a strong magnetic field has been studied with the help of high temperature magnetometry. While solidifying crystall ites are all aligned with their c-axis parallel to the applied field, leading to an overall textured material, grain size enhancement requir es an adequate process such as MTG. In situ magnetic susceptibility of materials being processed allows the monitoring of all phase transiti ons encountered. The triggering effect of oxygen uptake on solidificat ion is evidenced. Control of the solidification through magnetic susce ptibility has led to large grains, high performances materials for app lications such as magnetic bearings.