Preparation and characterization of (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+x superconducting thick films on Ag tape using the screen-printing technique

Abstract

Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O phases provide continuous manufacturing of tapes in long lengths using conventional techniques. Thick films of the BPSCCO 2223 phase [(Bi, Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+x] were successfully prepared on Ag tapes by combining the processes of screen-printing with organic binders, cold deformation, and sintering.1 Technical and economical studies revealed that these processes have optimal properties for conductor fabrication. The effect of atmosphere and powder composition on the formation of the 2223 superconductor phase was studied on two different composites: BPSCCO/Ag (open system) and Ag/BPSCCO/Ag (closed system). For the open system, both the evaporation of lead had to be avoided and the presence of additional “catalytic” Ag grains within the layer is necessary to promote the reaction of 2223 phase. Critical current densities jc of 6–12 ± 103 A/cm2 (77 K, O T) were achieved in samples of the closed system.