Haldor Topsoe A/s

Erik Pedersen

Keld Johansen

Haldor F Topsoe

Superconducting products on the basis of crystalline superconducting compounds having the general formula (Me.sup.1).sub.p (Me.sup.2).sub.q Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x F.sup.Y, wherein Me.sup.1 is selected from Y, Sc and the lanthanides, Me.sup.2 is Ba and/or Sr, p is 0.8-2.5, q is 0.8-3, x is 5-8.5 and y is 0-6, are prepared by reacting oxides of the metals in the molten phase, the Me.sup.2 oxides at least in part being used as Me.sup.2 peroxide and Me.sup.1 oxide and/or Cu oxide optionally being partly replaced by fluorides. The reaction is carried out under an oxygen-free atmosphere in a closed reaction vessel having deformable walls, and during the reaction the vessel is placed in an autoclave under an isostatic pressure of 800 to 3000 bar and at a temperature of 800.degree. to 1400.degree. C., after which cooling is carried out without opening of the vessel. During, between or after the heating and cooling the vessel with its contents is shaped to the desired intermediate product or final product having superconducting properties. Very suitably the reaction vessel may be a copper tube which during, between or after the heating and cooling is drawn to form a superconductor cable.

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Horsholm, Denmark

Erik Pedersen