Comparison of Characteristics of Gd2BaCuO5 Powders Prepared by Different Processes

Abstract Ultra-fine Gd 2 BaCuO 5 (Gd211) powders were prepared by three different routes including low temperature combustion synthesis (LCS), coprecipitation and solid state reaction. The powders were characterized in terms of morphology, chemical purity, specific surface area and particle size. The results show that LCS process yields the most weakly agglomerated powder with smallest average particle size. The microstructure and superconductor property of GdBa 2 Cu 3 O 5 (Gd123) bulk material fabricated from the precursor of Gd211 powders were also studied. It is found that the employment of fine Gd211 starting powder is effective for the size reduction of Gd211 particles in the bulk samples. Gd123 bulk produced from LCS powder achieved the largest critical current density ( J c ) value compared with those from other two powders.