Mechanical characterization of melt-textured Y sub(0.95)Er sub(0.05)Ba sub(2)Cu sub(3)O sub(7-) sub( delta )superconductor prepared in air

• Published in: Physica. C, Superconductivity Vol. 470; no. 11-12; pp. 465 - 469
• Main Authors: Pinheiro, Lincoln Brum de Leite Gusmao, Jurelo, Alcione Roberto, Serbena, Francisco Carlos, Rodrigues, Pedro, Foerster, Carlos Eugenio, Chinelatto, Adilson Luiz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-06-2010
• Subjects: COPPER OXIDE; Erbium; HARDNESS; Indentation; MECHANICAL PROPERTIES; PHASES; PROPERTIES; SUPERCONDUCTIVITY; SUPERCONDUCTORS; Vickers indentation; X RAYS; Yttrium; YTTRIUM OXIDE
• ISSN: 0921-4534
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physc.2010.03.012

The effect of Er substitution on the mechanical properties of ab- and a(b)c-planes of melt-textured YBa sub(2)Cu sub(3)O sub(7-) sub( delta )is reported in the present work. The non-oxygenated samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and mechanical properties by instrumented indentation and conventional Vickers indentation whereas the superconducting properties were determined by resistivity measurements on oxygenated samples. The X-ray pattern and EDS analysis revealed the presence of Y-123, Y-211 and BaCeO sub(3) phases. Er substitution up to 5 wt.% did not affect the superconducting properties. No difference in hardness was observed for the ab- and a(b)c-planes. Elastic modulus of the a(b)c-plane was 10% higher than of the ab-plane. Differences in indentation fracture toughness obtained by conventional Vickers indentation of the ab- and a(b)c-planes was observed. The addition of 5 wt.% of Er did not affect significantly the mechanical properties of melt-textured samples when compared with pure melt-textured YBa sub(2)Cu sub(3)O sub(7-) sub( delta )