Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
Superconducting thick films of yttrium-based cuprates can be prepared using a sol-gel technique. Rheological measurements on the precursors are used to identify processing parameters that can lead to better film properties. Steady and dynamic experiments reveal a direct correlation between the properties of the precursor, the final product, and the “age” of the yttrium component used in the precursor. Measurements support a proposed mechanism relating the “age” of the yttrium to the other properties and help to establish a processing methodology to obtain effective superconducting properties.