Flux Pinning Enhancement in Melt- Processed $(Y_{0.5}Nd_{0.25}Sm_{0.25})_{1.8}Ba_{2.4}Cu_{3.4}O_y$ Superconductors

We have studied the superconducting properties and flux pinning enhancement of $(Y_{0.5}Nd_{0.25}Sm_{0.25})_{1.8}Ba_{2.4}Cu_{3.4}O_y$ [(YNS)-1.8] composite oxides by melt growth process in air. A sample prepared by this method showed well-textured microstructure, and $(Y_{0.5}Nd_{0.25}Sm_{0.25})_2BaCuO_5$ [(YNS)211] nonsuperconducting particles were uniformly dispersed in large (YNS)123 superconducting matrix. The sample showed a sharp superconducting transition at 91 K. The magnetization measurements of the (YSN)-1.8 sample exhibited the enhanced flux pinning, compared with $YBa_2Cu_3O_y$ (Y-123) sample without Sm and Nd.