PLASTIC SHAPING OF CERAMIC SUPERCONDUCTING DISKS

Samples of YBa2Cu3O7-x high-T-c superconductor were prepared by simula ting ceramic injection moulding technology, which involves mixing orga nic binders and ceramic powders to permit the fabrication of different shapes. A thermal debinding process was used to remove the organic bi nder. X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that the YBCO powder was not altered by the mixing, pressing and debinding processes. Suscepti bility measurements taken after sintering showed that the transition o nset is at 92.5 K, with a transition width of 2 K, proving the absence of process-induced deterioration of both superconducting properties a nd grain couplings.