Decomposition of solid solutions in the Nd-Ba-Cu-O system and its influence on changing transport characteristics

TL;DR

This study investigates the thermochemical decomposition of Nd-Ba-Cu-O solid solutions and how this process affects their electrical transport properties, revealing that heat treatment modifies critical current and transition temperature.

Contribution

It provides new thermochemical data on Nd-Ba-Cu-O solid solutions and links decomposition behavior to changes in transport characteristics.

Findings

Decomposition occurs in inert and oxygen atmospheres.

Heat treatment increases critical current.

Transition temperature Tc decreases after treatment.

Abstract

Thermochemical characteristics of Nd1+xBa2-xCu3Oy solid solutions were studied by solution calorimetry. Dependences of formation enthalpies from Nd content were constructed. It was established that decomposition of solid solution on the basis of Nd123 phase took place both in inert and in oxygen atmosphere. As a result of decomposition the different mixtures such as solid solutions with increasing and decreasing Nd content and BaCuO2 were formed. Obtained thermochemical data were compared with results of measurements of transport characteristics. It was established that treatment of samples at 550-600 C led to increasing critical current and decreasing Tc.