Methods of introduction of MgO nanoparticles into Bi-2212/Ag tapes

The effect of addition of ultra-fine MgO particles, obtained by Mg combustion, in Bi-2212/Ag tapes was investigated. Bi-2212/Ag tapes were prepared by coating and partial melt processing. Four different methods of MgO particles embedment were applied in green tape preparation; settlement of MgO in Bi-2212, pre-mixing of MgO in the solvent, deposition of the MgO into the solvent, and deposition of MgO onto the surface of Bi-2212. Microstructural studies of processed tapes show that uniformity of MgO particles distribution in Bi-2212 matrix depends on the methods of tape preparation. MgO particles, introduced in Bi-2212 matrix by all applied methods, significantly enhanced transport properties of the tapes. The J(c) degradation with the increase of magnetic field and/or temperature in all doped samples was significantly lower compared to un-doped Bi-2212 samples. The best improvement was achieved when MgO particles were introduced into Bi-2212 matrix by settlement method of the tape coating. The improvement also depends on a magnitude of the magnetic field and operating temperatures. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.