Improvement of microstructure and mechanical properties of large single domain GdBaCuO superconductor with low void density

We fabricated large single domain of GdBaCuO (Gd-123) densified superconductor with a seeding and temperature gradient method in oxygen at the melt stage then in air at the growth stage for future applications such as a superconducting flywheel for energy storage system, magnetic separation, motor, current lead, and a bulk magnet. The innovative melt-textured single domain of Gd-123 system superconductor with low void density was about 46 mm in diameter and 15 mm in thickness. Gd-123 densified superconductors are expected to have high J_c and trapped magnetic field properties with higher mechanical strength. In this paper, we discuss processing, superconducting and mechanical properties of the densified Gd-123 bulk for improving the microstructure and strength of the RE-123 bulk. The relation between the microstructure and the flexural strength of the Gd-123 bulk was clearly shown.