Effects of process variables on the properties of YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ ceramics formed by investment casting

An investment casting process has been developed to produce net-shape, superconducting ceramics. In this work, a factorial experiment was performed to determine the critical process parameters for producing cast YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/ ceramics with optimum properties. An analysis of variance procedure indicated that the key variables in casting superconductive ceramics are the particle size distribution and sintering temperature. Additionally, the interactions between the sintering temperature and the other process parameters (e.g. particle size distribution and the use of silver dopants) were also found to influence the density, porosity, and critical current density of the fired ceramics.<<ETX>>