Structure-Property-Processing Relations in Grain-aligned YBa2Cu3O7-x Thick Films
J. A. Lewis,* A. Read
NSF Science and Technology Center for Superconductivity

The current-carrying capability of bulk polycrystalline superconductors is limited because of their 'weak link' behavior. This behavior results from misorientation of individual grain boundaries, unfavorable grain boundary chemistry, porosity, or the presence of microcracks. We have developed a novel technique to produce grain-aligned YBa2Cu3O7-x that couples magnetic alignment with partial melt processing. Magnetically aligned films are densified near the peritectic temperature to promote partial melting. The oriented, unmelted Y123 grains then act as seeds for textured growth during recrystallization. We are currently investigating the role of second phase additions on the peritectic decomposition reaction, microstructural development, and properties of YBa2Cu3O7-x thick films.