The Effect of Er2BaCuo5 Additions on the Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Zone Melt Textured YBa2Cu3O6+x Wires

ABSTRACTYBa2Cu3O6+x (Y-123) wires with Er2BaCuO5 (Er-211) and Y2BaCuO5 (Y-211) additions were vertically zone melted using a single element resistive furnace. The microstructure and magnetic Jc of wire segments taken from different sections of well textured wires were analyzed and compared. In both Er-211 and Y-211 doped wires the 123 plate width and the magnetic Jc decreased with increasing 211 additions. Microstructural analysis on the Er-211 doped wires confirms that Er-211 dissolves in the melt and results in the formation of a YzEr(1-z)Ba2Cu3O6+x superconducting phase upon solidification which shows improved magnetic properties over Y-211 doped wires.