The contribution of 211 particles to the mechanical reinforcement mechanism of 123 superconducting single domains

Hardness and fracture toughness of Dy-123 single domains were studied by Vickers micro-indentation. A significant anisotropy of the mechanical properties was observed. Hardness tests give higher values when performed in (001) planes rather than in planes parallel to the c-axis. Moreover, the cracks pattern around the indentation follows preferential orientation in planes parallel to the c-axis whereas a classical 'four-cracks' pattern is observed in the (001) planes. It has been possible to show the crucial role played by the 211 particles in the deviating mechanism of cracks and the relevance of the high homogeneity of 211-particle distribution in the material.