YBa2Cu3O(7-x)-Ag composites prepared by the coprecipitation route

The precursor powders to yield composites of YBa2Cu3O(7-x) and Ag (in variable amounts) were obtained by the oxalate coprecipitation technique to obtain a homogeneous dispersion of Ag in YBa2Cu3O(7-x) matrix. The Ag content was varied between one and 30 percent by weight of the nominal composition YBa2Cu3O(6.5). X-ray powder diffraction results indicate a progressive decrease in the intensities of characteristic peaks of the orthorhombic superconducting phase with increasing Ag amount. Bars pressed from these powders were evaluated with respect to transition temperature, current density, contact resistivity, bulk density, and microstructure. A maximum current density of 766 A/sq cm is measured on a sample containing 30 percent by weight of Ag. 9 refs