Influence of starting powders on the microstructure of TSMG YBa_{2Cu_{3O_{7/Y_{2BaCuO_{5

The samples for the TSMG process are fabricated from powders of suitable composition by standard powder metallurgy technology (powder mixing, milling, pressing and sintering and melt-growth). The changes in powder size and morphology induced by milling are characterised by electron microscopy and Particle Size Distribution (PSD) measurements. The optimum milling conditions lead to a significant refinement and mixing of the Y2O3 and CeO2 additives and only slight refinement of the Y123 powders. On the nanoscale Y2O3 particles, Y2BaCuO5 (Y211) particles nucleate and grow which results in Y211 particle refinement and improvement of the superconducting properties.