Investigation of the structural, electric and mechanic properties of Zn transition metal doped YBCO (123) superconductors produced by sol-gel method

In this study, Zn doped YBCO-123 samples are produced by the sol-gel method is the most widely used method for preparing nano size materials. The effect of the zinc (Zn) doping on structural, electrical and mechanical properties of the YBCO-123 superconductors is investigated in detail. For comparison, undoped sample is prepared in the same conditions. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) is used to determine phase analysis and lattice parameters of the superconducting samples and scanning electron microscope (SEM) measurements are made for microstructure properties. The resistivity measurement for superconducting properties and microhardness measurement for mechanic properties are carried out. Vickers microhardness, young modulus, fracture toughness and yield strength values are calculated separately for doped and undoped samples. And then experimental results of microhardness measurements are analyzed using the Kick's law, PSR model, EPD model, the Hays- Kendall (HK) approach and IIC model and IIC model is determined as the most successful model.