Sinter-forged (Bi, Pb)₂Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O_xsuperconductors

Abstract

Dense (Bi, Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox bars were fabricated by sinter forging. The bars were highly phase-pure and exhibited strong textures in which the c axes of the platelike grains were preferentially aligned parallel to the pressing direction. Transport critical current densities increased with texture, reaching a maximum of 8*103 A cm-2 at 77 K in a self-field. Optimal processing in air occurred at 845-850 degrees C.