Low-Tc phase formation at the grain boundaries and electromagnetic granularity in (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox silver-sheathed tapes

Abstract

High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was performed on progressively heat treated Ag-clad (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox (2223) tapes and was correlated with their transport critical current densities, DC magnetization and AC susceptibility. HRTEM reveals the presence of a small number of half layers of the low Tc Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox (2212) phase clustered at the numerous (001) twist grain boundaries. This residual 2212 phase produces electromagnetic granularity in a temperature range around 77K and thus directly controls the critical current.The Bi(Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-0 (BSCCO) Ag-clad tapes with the stoichiometric 2:2:2:3 starting composition were prepared by a standard powder-in-tube method. Sample A was heat treated at 817°C for 5 hours only. Sample B was first heat treated at 817°C for 24 hours, and then heat treated for 100 hours at the same temperature after two intermediate pressings. Sample C was heat treated at 830°C for 72 hours, and then heat treated for additional 196 hours after one intermediate pressing.