Influence of oxygen concentration on processing YBa2Cu3O7−x

Abstract
The sintering kinetics of YBa2Cu3O7−x have been studied from 870 to 930 °C in oxygen/argon mixtures ranging from 0.2% to 100% oxygen. For sintering at temperatures below that required for formation of any liquid phase, densification rates increased with decreasing oxygen concentration, and transport critical current densities increased with increasing density. The activation energy for sintering was 190±30 kJ/mol.