Abstract

We have evaluated the role of Ag additions on the strength, fracture toughness, elastic modulus and resistance to thermal shock of YBa_2Cu_3O_7-x(YBCO) superconductor. Addition of 10 vol.% Ag improved strength and fracture toughness, whereas, decreased elastic modulus of YBCO. In addition, YBCO-Ag composites improved resistance to thermal shock probably due to enhanced strength, fracture toughness and thermal conductivity as a result of Ag addition. It is to be noted that YBCO-Ag made by mixing with AgNO_3 solution showed slightly higher strength, fracture toughness and resistance to thermal shock, compared to that made by mixing with metallic Ag powder. These improvements are believed to be due to the microstructure of more finely and uniformly distributed Ag particles.