The isothermal peritectic reaction process(IPRP) has been developed to fabricate $YBa_2Cu_3O_x$ (123) superconductors with aligned microstructure in relatively short time without temperature gradient. The process consists of the preparation of $Y_2BaCuO_5$(211) powder compact in wire form and infiltration of $3BaCuO_2$+2CuO glass into the 211 compact below the peritectic temperature of ~1010℃. During the infiltration at 945℃ and 965℃ the 123 phase has formed at the surface of the compact by the reaction between 211 grain and the glass, and the newly formed 123 grains grown directionally towards the center of the compact.
The result of the infiltration is an aligned grain structure with a prefered orientation of {100} planes in the axial direction of wire-type compacts. The prepared 123 superconductors show the zero resistance($T_c$) at 92K and critical current density($J_c$) of up to 1500 A/㎠. compared to the melt-textured method, the present one has advantages in preparation of superconducting wires in much shorter time and lower temperature.
