Aspects of making a superconducting yttrium ceramic by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis

Macrokinjetic features are considered for the combustion in oxygen of BaO₂–Cu–Y₂O₃ mixtures, which produces the high-temperature superconductor yttrium barium cuprate YBa₂Cu₃O_7–x. Studies have been made on how the initial temperature affects the combustion temperature and rate, and the critical temperature for self-ignition has been determined. Ultrasonic activation of the initial powders has an advantageous effect on the product quality. Thermal analysis has been applied to the activated mixtures, which indicates the reason for the rise in burning wave propagation rate and increase in conversion to the superconducting phase.Chernogolovka. Translated from Fizika Goreniya i Vzryva, Vol. 29, No. 2, pp. 62–67, March–April, 1993.