Yttrium enrichment and improved magnetic properties in partially melted Y–Ba–Cu–O materials

The yttrium-rich compositions in the Y-Ba-Cu-O system were mapped out in a systematic manner to quantify their magnetic properties and to correlate them with the microstructure and phase composition as determined by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. It is found that the microstructure of Y-Ba-Cu-O compositions is a sensitive function of both their composition and processing conditions. Measurements of magnetic susceptibility and maximum (low-field) and remanent magnetization for the system Y:Ba:Cu = x:2:3 show highest values for x = 2. The corresponding structures involve numerous small crystals of Y2BaCuO5 (211) embedded in highly ordered assemblages of continous YBa2Cu3O(7-y) (123) layers.