REDUCED PO(2) MELT PROCESSING OF YBA2CU3O6+X

The melt processing of YBa2Cu3O6+x (Y123) at 200 Pa oxygen partial pre ssure has been investigated. Due to the depression of the peritectic i n reduced pO(2), the maximum temperature of the process cycle was 955 degrees C. The resulting microstructure is comparable to that obtained through melt processing in air. The lower process temperature allows the use of a 90Ag/10Pd alloy cup to contain the peritectic liquid duri ng the texturing process. Alloy/liquid interaction results in inclusio ns of BaCuO liquid within the alloy cup and dissolution of some Ag by the liquid.