Nonuniform distribution of second phase particles in melt-textured Y–Ba–Cu–O oxide with metal oxide (CeO₂, SnO₂, and ZrO₂) addition

Segregation of second-phase particles within Y₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7−y domain was investigated in melt-textured Y-Ba-Cu-O with metal oxide (CeO₂, SnO₂, and ZrO₂) addition. It is found that coarse particles (Y₂Ba₁Cu₁O₅) are trapped with a special pattern in the interior of Y₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7−y domain, while fine BaCeO₃ and BaSnO₃ particles are present within the remnant liquid-phase region. During the growth of Y₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7−y domain, fine particles appear to be pushed out of the advancing Y₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7−y /liquid interface toward the liquid phase. The particle segregation that occurred during peritectic growth of the Y₁Ba₂Cu₃O_7−y domain was explained in terms of the Uhlmann-Chalmers-Jackson theory based on the particle interaction at solid/liquid interface.