Publications

Superconducting samples of type (nano-Ag)xCu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3O10−δ, x=0.0,0.5,1.0,1.5,2.0, and 3.0 wt.% of the total sample’s mass were prepared by a single step solid-state reaction technique. The prepared samples were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The electrical properties of the prepared samples were investigated using the electrical resistivity and I–V measurements. The Vickers microhardness (Hv) was measured at different applied loads (0.25–3.0 N) for studying the mechanical performance of the prepared samples. All prepared samples exhibited normal indentation size effect (normal ISE) and the Hv number was load dependent. Hv number increases as nano-Ag addition increased. The experimental data of Hv was analyzed using different models; Mayer’s law, Hays–Kendall (H–K) approach, elastic/plastic deformation (EPD) model, proportional specimen resistance (PSR) model, and indentation induced cracking (IIC) model. In addition, the true microhardness (Ho) values were evaluated through different models. The obtained data has good agreement with the PSR model. Also, Young’s modulus (E), yield strength (Y), fracture toughness (Kf), and brittle index (Bi) were calculated.