Mat. Res. Bull., Vol. 26, pp. 1041-1050, 1991. Printed in the USA. 0025-5408/91 $3.00 + .00 Copyright (c) 1991 Pergamon Press plc. YBa2CU3OT_ x SUPERCONDUCTING CERAMIC/THERMOPLASTIC 0-3 COMPOSITES J. Unsworth, J. Du, B.J. Crosby and P. Bryant* Centre for Materials Technology, Faculty of Science. University of Technology, Sydney, N.S.W. 2007, Australia (Received June 28, 1991; Communicated by W.B. White) ABSTRACT High Tc Superconducting ceramic YBa-Cu-O 7 powders . Z J. --X . were embedded in a thermoplastlc matrlx. Flexlble composite thin sheets as well as discs with volume percentage ranging from 0 to 80 % were fabricated. XRD, SEM, electrical and magnetic characterization of these composites were carried out. Measurements showed that the diamagnetic properties were preserved in composites and the samples exhibited appreciable magnetic levitation forces. MATERIALS INDEX: superconductors, thermoplastic materials, composites Introduction High Tc superconducting ceramics have an inherent brittleness which makes them difficult to handle and shape into usable forms, such as wires, thin sheets, tubes and flexible coils. YBa2Cu307 x is chemically unstable, having a tendency to lose oxygen. Chemical breakdown is catalysed by moisture and carbon dioxide (i, 2). These problems have impeded the development of applications for high Tc superconductors. * GEC-Marconi Systems Ltd, Faraday Park, Railway Rd, Meadowbank, NSW 2114. 1041