Abstract: Two or more superconductors are reacted together to form a non-superconducting phase encapsulating a residual superconducting phase. For example YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 oxide is reacted with Bi.sub.2 Sr.sub.2 CaCu.sub.2 oxide to form a superconducting product containing a novel non-superconducting oxide of Y, Bi, and Ba. A superconducting YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 oxide remains as an interconnected phase throughout the product. The new non-superconducting phase largely encapsulates and insulates the superconducting phase.

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: Subject a heated, non-molten, intimate admixture of a base metal and a superconducting oxide material to pressure sufficient to form a densified article. The densified article is either superconducting as formed or capable of being rendered superconducting by annealing in the presence of oxygen. Depending upon the choice of materials the densified article is stable at temperatures up to 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: A polycrystalline Y-Ba-Cu-O superconductor doped with sufficient .sup.235 U and/or .sup.239 Pu atoms is irradiated with thermal neutrons to produce from about 2.5.times.10.sup.14 to about 50.times.10.sup.14 fission events per cubic centimeter of superconductor.

Abstract: A process for silver coating superconducting ceramic powder by(1) coating the superconducting ceramic powder particles with AgNO.sub.3 ;(2) melting the AgNO.sub.3 so that it wets and forms a uniform coating over the surfaces of the particles; and(3) decomposing the AgNO.sub.3 to form a thin, uniform coating of silver metal on the surfaces of the particles.The product is a loose powder of the superconducting ceramic particles which are uniformly coated with silver metal. The powder can be cold worked (e.g., swaged, forged, etc.) to form superconducting structures such as rods or wires.

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: 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: Process for producing metal oxide superconductor (MOS)-polymer (P) composites by (i) mixing a monomer and initiator with MOS followed by in-situ polymerization of the monomer, (ii) mixing MOS with a polymer solution followed by removal of solvent, (iii) blending MOS with a molten polymer and processing the MOS-P composite obtained by processes (i), (ii), or (iii) by extrusion or molding, and (iv) mixing MOS with monomers or prepolymers with or without catalysts to give MOS-P composite through reaction-processing, the polymers being one of all thermoplastic and thermoset resins, thermoplastic elastomers, or elastomers, the last with or without crosslinks.

Abstract: A method of adding a halogen element into oxide superconducting materials includes the steps of forming a passivation film on an oxide superconducting material, adding halogen ions into the oxide superconducting material by ion injection and then applying a heat treatment in oxygen to the oxide superconducting material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cermet exhibiting superconducting properties with improved mechanical properties comprising a mixture of a superconducting ceramic and one or more metals, the cermet resulting from liquid phase sintering at a temperature at which one of the metals is molten and below the melting temperature of the superconducting ceramic.