Abstract: In a ceramic superconducting composition, Ag20 is added thereto in an amount of 0.1 wt. % to 70 wt. % per mole of LaBa2Cu3O3-.delta.. The critical current density of the ceramic superconducting composition is affected by heat treatment conditions. The critical electric current density of the ceramic superconducting composition is increased when it is prepared through heat treatment while controlling the partial pressure of oxygen in a heat treatment atmosphere in steps with successive stages including a temperature-elevating step, a sintering step, a temperature-lowering step, and an annealing step.

Abstract: A method of forming an oxide superconductor thin film comprising the steps of:(a) mixing and uniformly dissolving starting materials in a solvent to provide a uniform viscous solution having a stoichiometric composition of said oxide superconductor;(b) coating the viscous solution onto a substrate; and(c) rapidly heating the coated thin film in an ozone-containing oxygen gas stream.

Abstract: At least one layer from an oxide-ceramic superconductor material with a high transition temperature is produced on a substrate using a CVD-process. As parent materials, at least one vaporizable composition of each of the metallic components of the superconductor material is provided respectively, and these parent compositions are vaporized respectively at a predetermined temperature and with a predetermined partial pressure. In addition, at least one gaseous coreactant is provided, which is reactive with the parent compositions, the parent compositions as well as a minimum of one coreactant are dosed respectively by means of a carrier gas stream and united in a gas mixture with a predetermined mixture ratio, and to form the superconductor material, the conditions of reaction are adjusted using the energy supply for a reaction of or with the parent compositions and a minimum of one coreactant. A gaseous coreactant containing at least ammonia or organic amines is fed to the gas mixture.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the volatilization and transport of an alkaline earth metal precursor. The presence of an amine or ammonia significantly increases transport of the voltalized alkaline earth metal precursor as compared to transport under the same conditions but without the amine or ammonia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process to produce an essentially carbon-free nitrate of an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, lanthanide metal, actinide metal, metal, or mixtures thereof, which process comprises:Contacting an anhydrous composition of an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, lanthanide metal, actinide metal, or mixtures thereof substituted with an organic or an inorganic carbon-containing substitute with flowing nitrogen dioxide, dinitrogen tetroxide or mixtures thereof at a temperature of between about 40.degree. to 150.degree. C. under anhydrous conditions for a time and at a pressure effective to form the nitrate of the alkaline metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, lanthanide metal, actinide metal, or mixtures thereof, essentially free of any carbon containing contaminant. Materials produced by this improved process are useful as electrical superconductors, e.g. YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.

Abstract: A method of making high T.sub.c 1-2-3 superconductors having perovskite structure using solution techniques is disclosed. The process uses two solvent systems to form a resinous preceramic material having a controlled viscosity for facilitating its formation into superconducting articles such as fibers, wires, ribbons, films and the like. The process yields a pre-ceramic which is flexible and which has sufficient structural integrity to withstand normal handling.

Abstract: A method for forming a superconductive thin film according to the invention wherein a superconductive thin film of an oxide obtaining Bi (bismuth) is formed on an substrate by a chemical vapor deposition technique makes use of triphenyl bismuth, Bi-(C.sub.6 H.sub.5).sub.3, as a gas source for bismuth. By this, the resultant superconductive thin film has a flat surface without damages, and good superconductive characteristics. Where the substrate is susceptible to oxidation, at least a mono-atomic layer of bismuth is formed on the substrate, after which the superconductive thin film is formed. Accordingly, stable transmission of a deposition gas is ensured with the substrate being prevented from oxidation.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of forming an article comprised of a substrate and an electrically conductive crystalline rare earth alkaline earth copper oxide thin film containing an R.sub.1 A.sub.2 C.sub.3 crystalline phase over an R.sub.2 A.sub.1 C.sub.1 crystalline phase, where R.sub.1 A.sub.1 and C represent rare earth, alkaline earth, and copper, respectively.

Abstract: A method for applying coatings to substrates using chemical vapor deposition with low vapor pressure reagents is disclosed which comprises the steps of: (a) placing a substrate in a furnace means; (b) directly introducing powder reagents by a powder feeder means into said furnace means; and (c) vaporizing and reacting said reagents within said furnace means resulting in the deposition from the vapor phase of a coating on said substrate, wherein said coating can be an oxide superconductor.

Abstract: Superconducting oxides in the A, B, Cu oxide ternary system, where A is yttrium or a rare earth and B is an alkaline earth, are formed as thin films on a substrate by a sol-gel technique.

Abstract: A method of making high T.sub.c 1-2-3 superconductors having perovskite structure using solution techniques is disclosed. The process uses two solvent system to form a resinous pre-ceramic material having a controlled viscosity for facilitating its formation into superconducting articles such as fibers, wires, ribbons, films and the like. The process yields a pre-ceramic which is flexible and which has sufficient structural integrity to withstand normal handling.

Abstract: A process for forming an alkoxide-derived yttrium-barium-copper oxide high temperature superconductor thin film by sol-gel processing is disclosed. It comprises first forming a thin film comprising solubilized yttrium and barium alkoxides and copper aminoalkoxide, under an inert gas atmosphere, on a non-reactive substrate, the amount of copper amino alkoxide being in excess of the stoichiometric amount to compensate for losses due to volatility of the copper amino alkoxide. The coating composition is then heated first in a moisture laden inert gas atmosphere, to hydrolyze the alkoxides, to temperatures in excess of the formation temperature of the superconductor. It is thereafter calcined in an oxygen atmosphere at higher temperatures to form the high temperature superconductor thin film.

Abstract: More storage stable solutions comprising an organic solvent containing a soluble copper amino alkoxide are disclosed. The compound is of the formula ##STR1## where and R is lower alkyl such as methyl or ethyl.

Abstract: A process is disclosed of promoting the growth of crystalline bismuth mixed alkaline earth copper oxide grains in forming a conductive film by incorporating silver in the bismuth mixed alkaline earth copper oxide prior to sintering.

Abstract: A tractable ceramic precursor and method for producing the same, capable of being formed into useful shapes at low temperatures and thereafter capable of transformation into high-temperature superconducting ceramics is provided. The method consists of preparing one or more organometallic compounds selected from organometallic clusters and organometallic polymers and combining them in the proper stoichiometric ratio to form a tractable ceramic precursor having rheological/viscoelastic properties suitable for forming useful shapes and having metal elements in suitable proportions to form high-temperature superconducting ceramics.

Abstract: A method for making metal/ceramic superconductor thick film structures including the steps of preparing a silver/superconductor ink, applying the ink to a substrate, evaporating the ink's binder, decomposing a silver compound in the residue to coat the superconductor grains, sintering the coated superconductor grains, and oxygenating the superconductor grains through the silver coating. The resultant inter-granular silver increases the critical current and mechanical strength of the superconductor.

Abstract: An epitaxial thallium-based copper oxide superconducting film is formed on a crystalline substrate by metalorganic deposition which comprises forming a film of carboxylate soap solution on said substrate, prepyrolyzing said film at a temperature of 350.degree. C. or less and pyrolyzing said film at a temperature of 800.degree.900.degree. C. in the presence of oxygen and an overpressure of thallium for a sufficient time to produce said epitaxial superconducting film.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for depositiing a superconducting thin film comprising at least one high temperature Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O-based superconductor phase onto a substrate such as, for example, a ceramic oxide or a metal. High temperature Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O-based superconductor phases include Bi.sub.2 Sr.sub.2 CaCu.sub.2 O.sub.8, Bi.sub.4 Sr.sub.3 Ca.sub.3 Cu.sub.4 O.sub.16, and Bi.sub.2 Sr.sub.2 Ca.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.10.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved process for preparing a superconducting composition having the formula M.sub.w A.sub.z Cu.sub.v O.sub.x wherein M is selected from the group consisting if Bi, Tl, Y, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm Yb and Lu; A is at least one alkaline earth metal selected from the group consisting of Ba, Ca and Sr; x is at least 6; w is at least 1; z is at least 2 and v is at least 1; said composition having a superconducting transition temperature of above 77 K, preferably above about 90 K; said process consisting essentially of (a) forming a suspension having an M:A:Cu atomic ratio of w:z:v by mixing A(OH).sub.2, AO or AO.sub.2 and M.sub.2 O.sub.3 with an aqueous solution of cupric carboxylate or cupric nitrate at a temperature from about 50.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C., or mixing A(OH).sub.2 with an aqueous solution of Cu carboxylate, nitrate or a mixture thereof and M carboxylate, nitrate or a mixture thereof at a temperature from about 50.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing superconductor films on a variety of substrates, and more particularly a patterned superconductor film on a planar substrate. The basic process includes the steps of: 1) depositing a metal film of superconductor precursor elements on a substrate; 2) patterning the metal film; and 3) oxidizing the metal film to form a superconductor film. Because the process separates the metal precursor film formation, patterning, and oxidation steps, each of the steps can be individually optimized.

Abstract: A superconductive material including a substrate and a superconductive layer of a double oxide of metals provided on the substrate is produced by a method which comprises the steps of:(a) providing a solution containing a blend of metal compounds having a composition corresponding to that of the double oxide;(b) applying the solution on the substrate to form a liquid film;(c) drying the liquid film; and(d) calcining the dried film to convert the metal compounds into the superconductive double oxide of the metals.

Abstract: An improved method for producing superconductive oxide substance, wherein a solution containing therein a plurality of elements to constitute the superconductive oxide substance is atomized into mists, then the thus atomized mists are transported on a carrier gas into a chemical reaction device, and, after the chemical reaction in this chemical reaction device, the superconductive oxide substance is deposited on a substrate in a desired shape, with further heat-treatment of the thus deposited superconductive oxide substance in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at a temperature ranging from 200.degree. C. to 1,200.degree. C.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparation of superconductive substances, and in particular, those comprising a rar earth element, barium (Ba), copper (Cu) and oxygen, having a composition represented by the general formula: LnBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-.delta. in which Ln represents a rare earth element and .delta. has a value of about 0 to 0.5. The method includes forming a solution containing an organic compound of a rear earth element, an organic barium compound and an organic copper compound in an organic solvent, homogenizing the resulting solution, stripping the organic solvent from the homogenized solution by evaporation to give a precipitate and pyrolyzing the precipitate to obtain the superconductive substance. The precipitate may also be formed as fibers or films prior to pyrolysis.

Abstract: A composition for forming a compound metal oxide of a specific composition and a process for preparing said compound oxide are disclosed. The composition comprises an alkoxide of a rare earth metal, an alkoxide of an alkaline earth metal and an organic acid salt of an organic complex of copper. The process comprises refluxing said composition for reaction and thermally decomposing the reaction product. Also a film-forming composition for forming a thin layer of a compound metal oxide is disclosed. Said film-forming compound comprises the above-mentioned composition plus a film forming resin and an organic solvent.

Abstract: Improved process for making Tl-Ca-Ba-CuO superconductors. A solution of the monocarboxylates (e.g., acetates) of Ca, Ba, and Cu is dried, calcined, mixed with Tl.sub.2 O.sub.3, and the mixture is heated to make a superconductor. The method minimizes introduction of contaminants. Novel compositions result.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method to produce a patterned superconducting solid preferably as a thin film. Unsaturated organic acid metal salts of suitable metals are dissolved in an organic solvent, mixed thoroughly and cast as a film on a substrate. The concentration of these organic carboxylate metal salts is adjusted such that a superconducting metal oxide ratio is obtained upon pyrolysis at temperatures up to 1000.degree. C. with subsequent slow cooling. A pattern (mask) is placed over the film and the film is irradiated to polymerize and crosslink the exposed portions. The unpolymerized and uncrosslinked portions are removed usually by using selective solvents or solvent mixtures. The solid remaining is heated in oxygen or air to about 1000.degree. C., which removes the organic portions and leaves metal oxide residue. The metal oxides are then cooled slowly and annealed to produce the patterned metal oxide superconducting materials.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the formation of a uniform and homogeneous mixture of a plurality of compounds in a desired stoichiometric ratio as a precipitate from a fluid under supercritical processing conditions which comprises dissolving at a first supercritical temperature a stoichiometric mixture of compounds in a fluid in a closed reaction vessel having a fixed first volume and rapidly expanding the volume in which the fluid is confined to lower the density sufficiently to cause the stoichiometric mixture of compounds to precipitate as a unifrom and stoichiometrically accurate mixture of the compounds, preferably without changing the phase of the fluid. The process may be used to form a high quality superconductor material because of the uniform and homogeneous distribution of the precipitated components in a stoichiometrically accurate ratio throughout said mixture.

Abstract: A process for producing a superconductor of an oxide system, which comprises uniformly mixing metal elements for constituting the oxide system at least partly in the form of acetylacetonates in a solvent with the rest, if any, being in the form of alkoxides, carboxylates and/or inorganic salts, hydroxides and/or oxides to obtain a homogeneous mixture, and sintering the mixture.

Abstract: A thin film of a superconductor comprising composite metal oxides is formed by atomizing and spraying a homogeneous solution or solutions containing as solutes one or more of metal compounds capable of forming the superconductor, with an ultrasonic wave sprayer, onto a hot substrate to form the thin film, and the ultrasonic wave sprayer for forming the thin film of the superconductor comprises an ultrasonic wave-generating vibrator, feedstock supplier, atomized solution-escaping inhibitor, substrate supporter and heater, the ultrasonic wave-generating vibrator being connected through an axis to a solution-atomizing nozzle.

Abstract: A solution for forming a superconductive thin film prepared by dissolving a mol of a compound selected from group A consisting of alkoxides and alkoxyalkoxides of a rare earth metal element; b mol of a compound selected from group B consisting of alkoxides and alkoxyalkoxides of Ba, Sr and Ca; and c mol of a compound selected from group C consisting of alkoxides and alkoxyalkoxides of Cu in e liter of a compound selected from group E, a solvent selected from alcohols together with d mol of a compound selected from group D for inhibiting hydrolysis action such as an amine, a ketone and a glycol, such that the following relationships:0.1.times.(a+b+c).ltoreq.d.ltoreq.3.times.(a+b+c)and0.01.ltoreq.[(a+b+c)/e].ltoreq.3can be satisfied.

Abstract: Cations such as La, Sr, Cu, or Y, Ba, Cu are dissolved in an organic solvent such as ethylene glycol and citric acid. The solution is formed into either a free-standing or supported film which is dried to produce a solid organic polymer. The polymer is then fired in an oxidizing atmosphere (pyrolysis) to obtain the superconducting oxide. It is preferred that the film be spin coated on a substrate to produce uniform coatings of thicknesses less than one micrometer. The resulting superconducting oxide film is fully dense, of controlled microstructure, very monogeneous in composition and suitable for demanding electronic device purposes or as coatings to form superconducting wires or other current carrying components.

Abstract: The reaction of rare earth metals and alcohols, to form rare earth alkoxides, is catalyzed by the use of an inorganic, halide-free mercury salt (e.g., mercury nitrate or mercury sulfate).

Abstract: A superconducting Yb.sub.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.4 O.sub.z thin film is formed by a metalorganic deposition method which comprises depositing a solution comprising neodecanoates of Yb, Ba and Cu and a solvent having at least approximately 10 volume percent pyridine in xylene onto a substrate selected from the group consisting of strontium titanate, barium titante, and sapphire; pyrolyzing the coated substrate to thermally decompose the neodecanoates at a temperature of about 500.degree. C. followed by a rapid thermal annealing.

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: The invention relates to precursors useful for the preparation by CVD of superconducting thin films. The precursors are the volatile alkoxides of the formula M(OR).sub.2, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Ba, Ca, and Sr, and R is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted alkyl groups of 6 to 13 carbons and halogen substituted alkyl groups of 3 to 4 carbons wherein the halogen is selected from the group consisting of fluoride and chlorine and at least two of the halogen substitutions are fluorine. The secondary or tertiary alkyl groups are preferred and the tertiary alkyl groups are most preferred.

Abstract: A superconducting Y.sub.1 Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.4 O.sub.2 thin film is formed by a metalorganic deposition method which comprises depositing a solution comprising neodecanoates of Y, Ba and Cu and a solvent having at least approximately 5 volume percent pyridine in xylene onto a substrate selected from the group consisting of strontium titanate, barium titanate, and sapphire; pyrolyzing the coated substrate to thermally decompose the neodecanoates at a temperature of about 500.degree. C. followed by a rapid thermal annealing.

Abstract: A process for producing a superconductor of an oxide system, which comprises uniformly dissolving, dispersing or suspending in a solvent metal elements for constituting the oxide system at least partly in the form of carboxylates with the rest, if any, being in the form of alkoxides, acetylacetonates and/or inorganic compounds, followed by removal of the solvent to obtain a homogeneous mixture, and sintering the mixture.

Abstract: A metalorganic deposition method is disclosed for manufacturing a heavy pnictide superconducting oxide film on a substrate, in which a mixed metalorganic precursor is coated and heated to its thermal decomposition temperature to create an amorphous mixed metal oxide layer. The amorphous layer is then converted to a crystalline coating by further heating followed by cooling in the presence of oxygen.

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: Mixed metal oxide films containing Group IIa metals and transition metals are deposited on a heated substrate by a chemical vapor deposition process using alkylcyclopentadienyl metal compound precursors and an oxidizing agent.