MICROSTRUCTURE AND CRITICAL-CURRENT OF HOT-PRESSED (BI,PB)(2)SR2CA2CU3O10 CERAMICS

After being sintered for different times, (Bi,Pb)(2)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 bulk samples were pressed isothermally at 850 degrees C under constant pres sure of 15 MPa for 1 hour. The samples were examined using SEM, EDS, X RD, and the mass density, critical temperature (T-c) and critical curr ent density (J(c)) were measured. As a result of removing voids in the materials under pressure and high temperature, it was found that the mass density significantly increased. In addition to high mass density , grain alignment within the samples was also improved which produced a significant improvement in the J(c). To achieve high J(c), samples r equires sintering prior to hot-pressing with reasonably long time.