Effect of Plastic Deformation on the Formation of the YBa2Cu3Oy Structure

Abstract

The structure of the YBa₂Cu₃O_y (123) compound has been investigated after severe plastic deformation by high-pressure torsion performed at room temperature. Distinctive structural features of the samples prepared by standard synthesis and the samples (with increased critical current density) after treatment at t = 200°C in water-saturated atmosphere have been revealed. It has been shown that a lamellar textured structure formed during the annealing of hydrated and deformed samples includes a superconducting orthorhombic phase with a high oxygen index and residual defects that can serve as pinning centers.