Processing effect on microstructure and superconducting properties of sintered ReBa2Cu3Oy ceramics — the role of ionic radius

A comparison study of the processing parameters for the production of single phase sintered ReBa2Cu3Oy samples (Re=Nd, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er), with good superconducting properties was carried out. The relationships between the microstructure of sintered ReBa2Cu3Oy superconductors and processing variables (sintering time, sintering temperature) were examined. It was found that the superconducting properties and microstructural parameters such as density, mean grain size and the presence of secondary phases are strongly dependent upon the processing conditions and the Re-ion size of the ReBa2Cu3Oy systems.