Processing and characterization of YBa2Cu3O7−x/Ag composites

Practical applications of bulk YBa2Cu3O7−x materials have been limited because of their inadequate critical current density (jc) and poor mechanical properties. Several recent reports have indicated that the addition of Ag to the YBa2Cu3O7−x system is beneficial in improving both mechanical and superconducting properties. However, detailed studies concerning the effect of Ag on the microstructural development of the cermet system have been lacking. Here, we present some observations on the microstructural evolution in the YBa2Cu3O7−x/Ag composite system.The composite samples were prepared by mixing various amounts (2.5 - 50 wt%) AgNO3 in the YBa2Cu3O7−x nitrate precursor solution. These solutions were then spray dried and the resulting powders were either cold pressed or tape cast. The microstructures of the sintered samples were analyzed using SEM (Philips 515) and an analytical TEM (Philips 430T).The SEM micrographs of the compacts with 2.5 and 50 wt% Ag addition sintered at 915°C (below the melting point of Ag) for 1 h in air are displayed in Figs. 1 and 2, respectively.