Fabrication of superconducting joints between PIT processed Bi-2223/Ag tapes by single and multiple press and reaction annealing

• Published in: Physica. C, Superconductivity Superconductivity, 1996-08, Vol.267 (1), p.53-58
• Main Authors: Yoo, Jaimoo, Chung, Hyungsik, Ko, Jaewoong, Kim, Haidoo, Sha, Jian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0921-4534; 1873-2143
• DOI: 10.1016/0921-4534(96)00320-6

Superconducting joints between Bi-2223/Ag tapes are fabricated by a press and reaction anneal and a multiple press and anneal. The silver sheath was mechanically or chemically removed from one side of each tape without altering the superconducting core. The exposed superconducting core of the two tapes were brought into contact and pressed so as to form a lap joint. The joined tapes were then subjected to a series of different thermomechanical treatments to achieve an optimum heat-treatment condition. The result from transport measurements shows that the critical current ( I c) transmitted through the joined area reaches 9 A, approximately 60% of the current capacity of the tapes themselves. The critical current through the joined area was improved by repeated press and reaction annealing. Measurements of the current-voltage relationship were made with several configurations of the voltage probes to characterize the critical current variation and the I– V curve along the joint. Also discussed are microstructural aspects of the superconducting joint.