Puzzling Behavior of Hydrated YBCO

Abstract

We study the influence of a close-lying non-magnetic and non-charged metal disk on the hydration reaction of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 6+ (YBCO). It has been established, that at a distance in the range of 6 -7 mm from the disk surface, the rate of the hydration is significantly reduced relative to distances out of this interval. This effect has allowed us to assume that there is an interaction between YBCO and the disk the nature of which is still unknown. Further direct measurements of the force acting between these bodies have been performed. A recorded repulsive interaction with a magnitude of 6.510 -6 N, which is 0.04% of the sample weight, has confirmed our assumption.