Microstructure and growth of joins in melt-textured YBa2Cu3O7-δ

Abstract

Joining of melt-textured YBa2Cu3O7-δ (Y123) grains has been achieved without use of an external agent. The technique uses barium-cuprate liquid phase released from platelet boundaries to mediate the growth of Y123 at the interface between two grains. The epitaxial nature and high quality of the growth was determined by optical and transmission electron microscopy. The composition of Ba-Cu-O phases found in some parts of the joins was determined by electron probe microanalysis. A clean low-angle join was found to consist of a grain boundary with dislocation networks and facets. Transport critical current measurements on this type of join revealed strongly coupled behavior. The technique shows promise for the joining of melt-textured material for power engineering applications.