Processing Y- and Bi-based superconductors

This paper reports on bulk specimens of YBa2Cu3Ox and Bi2Sr2CaCu2Oy formed and then processed by sintering in the solid state, in the presence of a liquid phase, or by sinter forging. Both Y- and Bi-based superconductors are difficult to densify by solid-state sintering but easy to densify in the presence of a liquid phase. Effects of sintering conditions on superconducting properties are, however, different between the two materials. These differences will be discussed. Attempts to texture microstructures and increase Jc by sinter-forging techniques have been successful for Y-based superconductors, but unsuccessful for Bi-based superconductors