Microstructure of YBa2Cu3Oy subjected to severe plastic deformation by high pressure torsion

Abstract

The influence of plastic deformation carried out by high pressure torsion at room temperature on the microstructure of the YBa₂Cu₃O_y (123) compound prepared by standard ceramic technology and annealed at low temperature (200°C) in a water-saturated atmosphere has been studied. It has been shown that the directional growth of recrystallized lamellar-shaped grains initiated by the 124–123 phase transformation takes place upon recovery (after deformation) annealing at 930°C in ceramics subjected to additional low-temperature annealing, which leads to the formation of the texture. A rodlike structure has been observed in samples prepared by standard technology, after deformation and recovery annealing (930°C).