Investigation of the chemical compatibility of substrates for 123 melt-textured ceramics

Three materials X (X = MgO, SrTiO3, BaZrO3) considered to be suitable as substrates, crucibles, or for reinforcing composite structures have been investigated with respect to their chemical composition and microstructure in the processing of melt-textured DyBa2Cu3O7, a typical 123 superconducting cuprate ceramics. Electrical and thermal transport properties have been measured in order to illustrate the chemical findings in the case of X = BaZrO3.