The demonstration of Y₂BaCuO₅ particle segregation in melt-processed YBa₂Cu₃O_7−x through a computer visualization model

In melt-processed YBa₂Cu₃O_7−x (123) microstructures, often unreacted Y₂BaCuO₅ (211) particles are observed to be present in an inhomogeneous manner delineating distinguishable patterns. The presence of these patterns in 123 is more clearly observed in the case of low 211 volume concentration and also when the 211 particle size is small. The observed patterns are believed to be due to 211 particle segregation in 123 domains in specific planes during melt texture growth. In the present paper a software program is used to draw a three-dimensional visualization model to demonstrate a possible structure of 211 particle segregation in 123 domains and to explain the presence of observed patterns in the microstructures. The formation of such a 211 particle segregation is explained in the light of previously proposed 123 growth mechanisms.