Abstract

Formation of pores in melt-processed YBa_2Cu_3O_7-x (123) oxides and its effect on the microstructure were studied. Spherical pores with a size of a few tens of microns were formed due to the evolution of oxygen gas during melting of a 123 oxide. Some of pores were converted into liquid pockets by liquid filling, but others remained unfilled. The liquid pockets were converted into spherical 123 regions with a lower Y_2BaCuO_5 (211)density through the peritectic reaction during subsequent cooling, while the pores were entrapped into the periteictically grown 123 grains. The spherical 123 regions often consists of a residual melt due to the unbalanced peritectically reaction.