Densification and decomposition of YBa sub(2)Cu sub(3)O sub(7-y) ceramic, and Ag-YBa sub(2)Cu sub(3)O sub(7-y) cermet compositions in the peritectic range

YBa sub(2)Cu sub(3)O sub(7-y) ceramics (123) and Ag-YBa sub(2)Cu sub(3)O sub(7-y) (Ag-123) cermets were prepared by die pressing powder mixtures and were subjected to a pre-firing treatment under O sub(2) flow. The densification and peritectic decomposition of the pre-fired pellets were analyzed in a differential dilatometer. For 123 alone and Ti's corresponding to the beginning of the peritectic reaction, the faster decomposition met under O sub(2) flow, was attributed to a higher Y-solubility. For Ag-123, the decomposition occurred at a much slower rate as compared to 123. This effect could be assigned to lower Y-solubility and diffusivity.