Optimization of (Bi, Pb)(2)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10/Ag conductors for practical applications

In this paper we report some of the most recent developments of silver-shea thed (Bi,Pb)(2)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 (Bi-2223) tapes that are currently under analys is in view of the potential future applications of these conductors. Variou s attempts for improving the tape behaviour in the presence of high magneti c fields and/or ac's are actively carried out. A substantial improvement in the magnetic field dependence of the critical current density was observed in Bi-2223/Ag tapes that were cooled at very slow rates after the final he at treatment process. This result was attributed to the reduction in the Pb content inside the Bi-2223 phase. A clear reduction in the ac losses was o bserved by ac susceptibility measurements performed on twisted Bi-2223 tape s including an insulating barrier capable of enhancing the transverse resis tivity of the silver matrix.