Mechanical Properties of 123/ Superconducting Bulks

Mechanical properties are very important technical issues for industrial applications of high-Tc oxide superconductors. The oxide superconductors are known to have the intrinsic brittleness. Therefore, we cannot avoid the problem and should study and improve mechanical properties to achieve structural reliability for applications. In this study, flexural strength, surface roughness and hardness of melt-processed YBa₂Cu₃O_x (Y123) bulk materials with Y₂BaCuO₅ (Y211) particles and Ag are discussed. The results of flexural stress of REBa₂Cu₃Ox (RE123) bulk superconductors show the beneficial effect of Ag particles in the RE123 superconducting phase on strengthening and toughening the material. Surface roughness and hardness of the RE123 materials provide useful information. The results imply that we should make progress in producing larger bulk materials with better mechanical properties for feasibility in large-scale applications