Application of thermal analysis and kinetic predictions to YBCO films prepared by chemical solution deposition methods

Abstract

Fluorine-based chemical solution deposition routes to prepare YBa2Cu3O7-∂ films were characterized with the aid of thermal analysis techniques. Thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction were applied to characterize the main steps of the fluorine-based route: pyrolysis of the organic material and growth of the oxide. The difference between the thermal behaviour of films and powders in fluorine-based chemical solution deposition route is reiterated to justify the importance of the study of films. Finally, the kinetic analysis is used to predict the mass evolution of the pyrolysis for an arbitrary temperature program with the aim to optimize this treatment to minimize film porosity and crack formation