Sinter-forging of strongly textured Bi2223 discs with large<i>J</i>_cs: nucleation and growth of Bi2223 from Bi2212 crystallites

Dense Bi2223 superconductor discs with a highly oriented structure were prepared by the sinter-forging method. A detailed investigation of the processing parameters has been carried out on the phase assemblage, the particle size of the calcined precursor powder and the sinter-forging time and temperature. A high transport critical current density, Jc, was obtained from a starting powder rich in Bi2212 and secondary phases. Using fine powder, a high degree of orientation, larger than those of multifilamentary tapes, and excellent intergrain connection were observed. The optimal sinter-forging temperature was found to be in the range of 845–850 ◦C and the transport critical current densities reached values of 12 700 A cm−2 at 77 K in self-field. The combination of textural and microstructural investigations testify that a nucleation-growth mechanism from the Bi2212 particles is responsible for the Bi2223 phase formation, rather than an intercalation process. 1.