Microstructure and J(c) property on the Bi-2223 bulk prepared by insertingAg layers

The microstructure and critical current density (J(c)) property of (Bi,Pb)( 2)Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy (Bi-2223)/Ag multi-layered bulks were investigated.They were prepared by stacking Ag sheets alternately into the oxide, and then sintere d at 840 degreesC for 10-50 h. From the XRD and SEM results, high c-axis al ignment and dense structure of Bi-2223 plate-like grains were observed near the legion of the interface between Bi-2223 layer and Ag sheet, and the ot her regions in the oxide were random and porous structures. Further, we mea sured J(c) value using the four-probe method at 77 K and self-field. J(c) v alues of the multi-layered bulk were improved in proportion to increasing t he number of AE sheets and the maximum J(c) is estimated to be 320 A/cm(2) in the sample with four Ag sheets. We thought that improvement of J(c) perf ormance was caused by highly c-axis aligned and densely structured region f ormed by Ag sheets. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V, All rights reserved.