Optimization of seeding conditions for the fabrication of c-axis-oriented large NdBCO-Ag grains

NdBCO large-grain materials can improve the performance of engineering devi ces based on superconducting bulk materials if c-axis-oriented large grains can be produced in large quantities under simple processing conditions. Th is study concentrates on exploring the factors dictating the seeding behavi or and the subsequent growth morphology of Ag-doped NdBCO grains under rela tively high oxygen partial pressure using NdBCO seeds and a simple processi ng system. It was found that seeding temperature, aspect ratio of seed. and amount of Ag were all important factors affecting the success rate of indu cing c-axis-oriented growths. With the optimized seeding conditions and in view of the simplicity of the processing system, the processing conditions derived from this study could lead to the up-scaling of NdBCO-Ag large-grai n materials production.