Behavior of Y2BaCuO5 particles in peritectic YBaCuO melts was studied.
Growth kinetics of Y2BaCuO5 aggregates were followed by optical exami
nation of materials quenched from different temperatures after holding
for different lengths of time. In addition, the Y2BaCuO5 phase was is
olated by selectively dissolving components (BaO, CuO, and Cu2O) of th
e solidified material, and the morphology of its particles was investi
gated by scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that th
e behavior of Y2BaCuO5 in peritectic YBaCuO melts depends on the chemi
cal history and composition of the starting high-T-c materials.