Structural and Resistivity Changes in YBa2Cu3Oy Ceramics by Heat-Treatment in Air

Abstract
Effect of heat-tretment in YBa2Cu3O y ceramics was investigated using the methods of electrical resistivity, TG, DTA and X-ray diffraction. In the heating process, a mass increase and a resistivity decrease are observed in the sample in the temperature range 630-780 K. Heat-treatment in air at temperatures above 780 K causes the marked increase of resistivity as well as the decrease of oxygen content. The YBa2Cu3O y compound is decomposed gradually above 1200 K and completely at around 1290 K. The degradation and recovery of structural and transport properties by heat-treatment in air are also reported.