Microwave-assisted heat treatment of Y3Ba5Cu8O18 phase: Toward sustainable processing of high-temperature superconductors
Source abstract
Abstract
To achieve more sustainable production of high-temperature superconductor ceramics in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we propose the use of microwave-assisted heat treatment. Y3Ba5Cu8O18 (Y358), a high-Tc ceramic with a superconducting transition above 100 K, was selected as the target material, as microwave-assisted heat treatment has not previously been reported for this compound. The calcination process of the Y358 compound was carefully studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTA) to determine the optimal sintering temperature range. On this basis, conventionally sintered samples produced in an electric resistance furnace (ERF) were compared with microwave-sintered samples in a microwave oven modified for laboratory use (hereafter referred to as the microwave furnace, MWF). The microstructures of all samples were thoroughly examined using XRD and SEM/EDS. Owing to the shorter sintering time in microwave-assisted heat treatment, the samples exhibit smaller grain sizes than conventionally sintered samples. Combining the one-pot synthesis route developed previously with the microwave-assisted sintering process, an effective and environmental-friendly processing route can be established.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Microwave-Assisted Synthesis and Applications · Physics of Superconductivity and Magnetism · Advanced ceramic materials synthesis
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References (59)
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