Critical current density in (YBa2Cu3O7−δ)1−x–(PrBa2Cu3O7−δ)x melt-textured composites

Abstract Melt textured (YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ ) 1 − x –(PrBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ ) x composites ( x =  0.00 and x =  0.05) were grown using the top seeding method. The effect of the PrBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ 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 YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ and (YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ ) 0.95 –(PrBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ ) 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 YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ and (YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ ) 0.95 –(PrBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ ) 0.05 samples, respectively. The YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ sample showed higher critical current densities than those shown by the (YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ ) 0.95 –(PrBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ ) 0.05 sample, with values of J C  =  5.85 × 10 5  A/cm 2 and 4.72 × 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) .