Effect of starting precursor on I-c anisotropy in powder-in-tube (Bi,Pb)2223/Ag tapes

Two powder precursors, differentiated by their average grain size, have bee n applied to the manufacture of monocore and 19-filament Bi(2223)/Ag tapes by the powder-in-tube (PIT) method. The optimized PIT route has been applie d for each precursor. The influence of both precursors on the I-c anisotrop y and critical current density J(c) in the final tapes have been studied. T he transport current properties are related to grain morphology and texturi zation of both materials. Finer starting precursor has led to much higher I -c anisotropy and to better bulk texturization of the ceramic cores resulti ng in higher J(c).