Shape Forming Simultaneous with J_c Enhancement in REBa₂Cu₃O₇ Superconductors

An infiltration and growth (IG) process which enables the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) components of REBa₂Cu₃O₇ (RE = Y, Gd, Sm, Nd, etc.) (RE-123) superconductors with a highly textured microstructure is described. The advantages of the process in comparison with conventional melt processing are discussed. The process has been demonstrated to yield highly favorable microstructures in the case Y-123 processed in air, as well as in the case of Gd-123 processed in reduced oxygen partial pressure.