Properties of Pb-Doped Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O Superconductors Prepared by the Intermediate Pressing Process

Abstract

Effects of an intermediate press process on the microstructure and superconducting properties of the Pb-doped Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system have been studied. Samples were made by sintering uniaxially pressed pellets after the conventional pellet-sintering process. Highly textured microstructure with strong (001) reflections was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and SEM. A short sintering time was sufficient to form only the high-Tc phase. By this intermediate pressing and sintering process, Jc was much increased and the magnetic field dependence of Jc was also improved. The highest Jc achieved was 3560 A/cm2 at 0 T and 77.3 K.