Directionally melt-textured high T-C (Y0.5Sm0.25Nd0.25)Ba2Cu3Oy [(YSN)-123] composite superconductors with and without CeO2 additive were systematically investigated by the zone melt growth process in air. A sample prepared by this method showed a well-textured microstructure, and (Y0.5Sm0.25Nd0.25)(2)BaCuO5 [(YSN)211] inclusions were uniformly dispersed in a large grained (YSN)123 matrix. The size of (YSN)211 inclusions in melt-textured (YSN)-123 with the CeO2 additive were remarkably reduced within the (YSN)123 matrix. Both samples, with and without the CeO2 additive, showed an onset T-C >= 94 K and a sharp superconducting transition. The magnetization values of (YSN)-123 with the CeO2 additive, were higher (M=500 emu/cm(3) in 4 Tesla at 50 K) than those of (YSN)-123 without the CeO2 additive.

Keywords: (Y0.5Sm0.25Nd0.25)Ba2Cu3Oy; composite; zone melt growth; (Yo(0.5)Sm(0.25)Nd(0.25))(2)BaCuO5; inclusion; magnetization