Melt-processed REBaCuO (RE: rare earth) superconductors have a high Jc at 77 K and a high magnetic field, which are expected to be used for high field applications such as superconducting permanent magnets with liquid nitrogen refrigeration, flywheels, current leads and so on. In this study, we discuss YBaCuO and SmBaCuO bulks melt-processed in air and their characteristic superconducting and mechanical properties. Isothermal undercooling growth in air with oxygen annealing and the Nd123/MgO thin film cold seeding technique were applied to seek a highly efficient process, homogeneity of composition, and feasibility of batch production. Single-domain growth of superconducting phases was achieved. This implies that the melt process is feasible for producing larger bulks in large-scale applications.

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