Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing a superconductor wherein a precursor oxide mixture is dispersed in an appropriate polymer matrix and shaped into a predetermined form following which the matrix and oxide precursor are respectively carbonized and sintered simultaneously. An alternate method is to separately prepare a superconducting material from the precursor oxide mixture, grind the superconducting material and add it to a solution containing polyacrylonitrile, shape into a predetermined form, following which the superconducting material and matrix are, respectively, carbonized and then annealed.

Abstract: Superconducting products on the basis of crystalline superconducting compounds having the general formula (Me.sup.1).sub.p (Me.sup.2).sub.q Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x F.sup.Y, wherein Me.sup.1 is selected from Y, Sc and the lanthanides, Me.sup.2 is Ba and/or Sr, p is 0.8-2.5, q is 0.8-3, x is 5-8.5 and y is 0-6, are prepared by reacting oxides of the metals in the molten phase, the Me.sup.2 oxides at least in part being used as Me.sup.2 peroxide and Me.sup.1 oxide and/or Cu oxide optionally being partly replaced by fluorides. The reaction is carried out under an oxygen-free atmosphere in a closed reaction vessel having deformable walls, and during the reaction the vessel is placed in an autoclave under an isostatic pressure of 800 to 3000 bar and at a temperature of 800.degree. to 1400.degree. C., after which cooling is carried out without opening of the vessel.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of superconducting ceramic materials by a solid state reaction technique. The process is especially suited for production of powders including .gtoreq.95% of Ba.sub.2 YCu.sub.3 O.sub.7 for use in producing sintered ceramic bodies including >99% Ba.sub.2 YCu.sub.3 O.sub.7.

Abstract: A method for forming metallized coatings on ceramics for high-temperature uses above about 630.degree. C. comprising the steps of: preparing a metallizing composition of mixed ingredients of differing sizes, proportioning the differing sizes to have nonsegregating qualities when applied onto the ceramics, coating the metallizing composition on the ceramics; and heating to form the desired metallized layer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a high-temperature ceramic superconductor having a Y-Ba-Cu-O or other copper-oxide composition of comparable properties so as to render the ceramic porous to define interlaced diffusion channels throughout the entire body of the ceramic. As a consequence, oxygen, an essential component thereof, will in the course of firing the ceramic, diffuse throughout the interior of the body and thereby interact and become integrated with the crystal structure of the ceramic to form a superconductor having superior properties. The resultant porous ceramic body may be used as a superconductive device, or it may be ground into particles and dispersed as a filler in a binder acting as a plastic agent that can be extruded, molded, or otherwise shaped to create a Meisner-effect shield, a cylindrical superconductive bearing or other superconductive structure.

Abstract: A process is disclosed of producing on a crystalline silicon substrate a barrier layer triad capable of protecting a rare earth alkaline earth copper oxide conductive coating from direct interaction with the substrate. A silica layer of at least 2000 .ANG. in thickness is deposited on the silicon substrate, and followed by deposition on the silica layer of a Group 4 heavy metal to form a layer having a thickness in the range of from 1500 to 3000 .ANG.. Heating the layers in the absence of a reactive atmosphere to permit oxygen migration from the silica layer forms a barrier layer triad consisting of a silica first triad layer located adjacent the silicon substrate, a heavy Group 4 metal oxide third triad layer remote from the silicon substrate, and a Group 4 heavy metal silicide second triad layer interposed between the first and third triad layers.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved process for preparing a superconducting composition having the formula MBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Y, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tn, Yb and Lu; x is from about 6.5 to about 7.0; said composition having a superconducting transition temperature of about 90.degree. K.; said process consisting essentially of preparing a precursor solution, drying the solution to obtain a solid material, and heating and cooling the solid material under specified conditions to obtain the desired product. In another embodiment, a shaped superconducting MBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x article is prepared by impregnating an article of cellulose material with the precursor solution, drying the impregnated article, and heating and cooling the impregnated article under prescribed conditions to obtain the desired product.

Abstract: Substrates are coated with durable, adherent and continuous superconductive coatings by applying thereto a suspension of finely divided metal, finely divided ceramic superconducting above 77.degree. K., and fluorinated polymer in an organic solvent. The resulting coatings are adherent, durable and superconducting above 77.degree. K.

Abstract: The method of producing a superconducting product includes:(a) providing a pressed-powder preform consisting essentially of YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x where 0.0<x<0.5,(b) pre-heating the preform to elevated temperature,(c) providing a grain bed and embedding the heated preform in that bed,(d) and consolidating the preform of at least about 95% of theoretical density by application of pressure to the grain bed, thereby to form the product.

Abstract: A method for fabricating relatively dense monoliths of superconducting material and relatively dense composite monoliths of superconducting material and binder material. The method includes the steps of placing the material to be processed in a die. A relatively high pressure is then applied to the material. Substantially simultaneously, an electrical discharge is applied to the material. The discharge is of a relatively high voltage and current density to provide sharp bonding while maintaining the superconducting properties of the material in the monolith product. A product fabricated by the present method is also described.

Abstract: The method of producing a superconducting product includes: providing a pressed-powder preform consisting essentially of REBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x where 6.0<x<7.0; preheating the preform to elevated temperature for a time period between 0 and 10 minutes, within a medium consisting of a mixture of refractory ceramic particles, carbonaceous particles and ultra fine graphitic particles; providing a preheated grain bed and embedding the heated preform in that bed, the bed having the same composition as the medium; and consolidating the preform to at least about 95% of theoretical density by application of pressure to the grain bed, thereby to form the product.

Abstract: A superconductor is prepared by suspending in a solvent a ceramics superconductive material having been fired and ground into fine powder, and then electrodepositing the material on an electrode by an electrophoretic means, or again firing the material after electrodeposition, thus preparing superconductors with various shapes. The superconductors thus prepared may be covered with a metal to improve processability.

Abstract: A method of electroless deposition of gold from a solution onto ceramic oxide superconducting particles is characterized by the steps: (1) adding gold chloride to organic solvent-optional reducing agent for the gold chloride to provide a gold solution, (2) mixing the ceramic oxide superconducting particles with the gold solution, to provide a suspension, (3) optionally adding reducing agent for the gold chloride, (4) stirring and heating the suspension to deposit a layer of gold metal on the particles, and (5) separating the particles.

Abstract: A process for preparing a glass-ceramic material with superconducting properties is disclosed.In the first step of this process, a powder batch comprised of a glass-former and of barium oxide, yttrium oxide, and copper oxide (or the precursors of one or more of these oxides) is provided. These oxides (or their precursors) are present in varying amounts for the Ba.sub.2 YCu.sub.3 O.sub.x composition.In the second step of the process, the powder batch is melted at a temperature of from about 1170 to 1300 degrees Celsius while under an oxygen-containing atmosphere.In the third step of the process, the molten batch is rapidly cooled, thereby forming glass.In the fourth step of the process, the glass is heat-treated at a temperature of from about 750 to about 950 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A method for depositing superconducting ceramic materials on an article by electrodeposition including the steps of obtaining a dispersion of the components of a superconducting ceramic material in a non-aqueous medium and creating an electrical field within the medium such that the material will migrate to and deposit on an electrode placed within the medium. After deposition, the article is sintered and then reoxygenated to achieve the composition required for the superconducting ceramic material.

Abstract: A superconductive substance is formed into fine wires readily without producing surface defects on the wires and correctly with a predetermined even diametric thickness. Highly refractory metallic core is heated to a predetermined temperature higher than the eutectic point of powders which constitute the superconductive substance, and passed through said powders whereby the powders which make contact with the core melt and adhere to the core with a predetermined uniform thickness, forming a fine wire made from the superconductive substance.

Abstract: A method of producing a superconducting circuit by forming a film having a superconducting phase on a substrate and applying a laser beam to a part of the superconducting phase to cause transition of the part of the superconducting phase into a non-superconducting phase.