Critical current density in (YBa2Cu3O7-delta)(1-x)-(PrBa2Cu3O7-delta)(x) melt-textured composites

摘要

Melt textured (YBa2Cu3O7-delta)(1)(-x)-(PrBa2Cu3O7-delta)(x) composites (x = 0.00 and x = 0.05) were grown using the top seeding method. The effect of the PrBa2Cu3O7-delta phase on the growth process and the modification of the microstructure as well as on the physical properties was analyzed. X-ray analyses indicated that both pure and Pr-doped samples present an orthorhombic superconducting phase. From resistivity measurements for YPrBa2Cu3O7-delta and (YPrBa2Cu3O7-delta)(0.95)- (PrBa2Cu3O7-delta)(0.05) samples, the T-c(ab) did not change and was around 90.5 K. However, from magnetic measurements, the superconductivity was observed in critical temperatures T-c = 92.9 K and 92.4 K for YBa2Cu3O7-delta and (YPrBa2Cu3O7-delta)(0.95)-(PrBa2Cu3O7-delta)(0.05) samples, respectively. The YBa2Cu3O7-delta sample showed higher critical current densities than those shown by the (YPrBa2Cu3O7-delta)(0.95)-(PrBa2Cu3O7-delta)(0.05) sample, with values of J(c) = 5.85 X 10(5) A/cm(2) and 4.72 X 10(5) A/cm(2) , respectively. This paper also discusses the importance of Pr substitution on nano- and micro-meter scales to enhance J(c)(H).