Near-net-shaped objects of RE 123 superconductors by infiltration processing

The fabrication of near-net-shaped objects of RE123 superconductors by “infiltration processing” is discussed. Near-net-shape processing involves the infiltration of preshaped porous green bodies of either 211 or yttria phases by liquids containing barium cuprates and copper oxides followed by a controlled peritectic solidification. The process yields poly- and also single-crystalline superconducting objects with a shrinkage of less than half of one percent of the green bodies. The preservation of the initial structure of the green bodies results in fabrication of RE 123 in a wide variety of dimensions and complex shapes. The demonstrated products include bulk components like cylinders, single domain thick films on a variety of substrates, freestanding fabrics and open porous superconducting foams. This paper presents a comprehensive description of the infiltration processing technique and the resulting microstructures of the superconducting bodies. The advantages of this technique and practical applications of the processed superconducting structures are highlighted.