Abstract
Textured bulk $YBa_2Cu_3O_x$ superconductors samples were grown directionally using different precursors of $YBa_2Cu_3O_x$ power. and a mixture of $YBa_2Cu_3O_5, BaCuO_2 and CuO$ powder. The microstructures and superconducting properties of the samples were compared. The mixture powder produced better microstructures i.e. dense and crack-free so that a higher critical current density was achieved at the same hot-zone temperature of 115$0^{\circ}C$ than the reacted powder does. When the reacted powder used as a precursor, as the hot-zone temperature increased upto 1215$^{\circ}C$, the texture of the sample improved and the critical current density increased. The amount of melt in the sample is of secondary importance for the growth of superconducting $YBa_2Cu_3O_x$ grains. The microstructures and superconductivity of good quality superconductors grown directionally were more strongly influenced by the kind of precursor rather than the amount og melt in a sample.
