The influence of BaO2 additions on microstructure and superconducting properties of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta

The effects of Ba additions on the compositional, microstructural, and magn etization properties of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+delta (Bi-2212) superconductors have been investigated. BaO2 reacts with the Bi-2212 matrix to form second phase precipitates. SEM micrographs, pole figure analyses, and improved transpor t properties in self-field and high fields up to 17 T suggest significant i nfluence on the development of texture in Bi-2212 due an addition of BaO2. Magnetization measurements revealed that the pinning properties of optimall y BaO2-added Bi-2212 were not affected. To estimate the potential of BaO2 a dditions to assist the formation of potential pinning sites, TEM investigat ions were carried out. The achieved results are presented and discussed. Pu blished by Elsevier Science B.V.