Effect of BaZrO3 additions on the microstructure and physical properties of melt-textured Y-123 superconducting materials

The effect of BaZrO3 additions on the microstructure and physical properties of melt-textured Y-123 have been investigated. The distribution of the 211 particles is strongly modified by the presence of such an additive. In fact, BaZrO3 is effective in reducing the size of the 211 particles. As a consequence, a strong interaction in terms of repulsion takes place between the 123 growth front and the 211 particles which are partially dissolved in the reactive liquid phase. New types of patterns are also reported in the microstructure of such materials and are related to the presence of BaZrO3 in the melt.