Mono-domain YBa2Cu3Oy superconductor fabrics prepared by an infiltration process

A novel process for the fabrication of a new form of YBa2Cu3Oy (123) superc onducting material, with the dimensions of a thick film and the microstruct ure of a melt-textured single-domain bulk is described. The process allows the fabrication of 123 as a self-supporting fabric or as a thick film on va rious substrate materials. The process, which is generic and economical, us es commercially available Y2O3 fabrics as a precursor material. The Y2O3 cl oth is infiltrated with barium cuprates and copper oxides from a liquid-pha se source, then converted into Y2BaCuO5 (211) phase and eventually to 123. The nucleation and growth of the 123 phase is controlled by seeding the clo th with an oriented heterogeneous MgO or Nd123 seed. Interesting applicatio n areas for the new form of the 123 mono-domain fabric are discussed.