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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 February 2011
High Tc superconducting YBa2Cu3O7−x ceramics were prepared from the appropriate oxide constituents and heat treated under various conditions to determine the effects of annealing on superconducting properties. Sintered samples (900–920°C) were air cooled at 5°/min followed by annealing in oxygen or air at 500°C/12 hr. Resistance measurements, SQUID, SEM, and x-ray analysis were used to characterize the samples, which were of 38% porosity. Results showed all samples to be superconducting with TC(O) 84K. Superconducting properties of the air and oxygen annealed samples were equivalent but showed lower overall resistance and 30% higher superconducting phase (30 to 70 K) compared to the air cooled samples.