Controlling the secondary phase of BSCCO 2223 tapes by thermal slide heat treatment(TSHT)

The phase transformation, variation of secondary phase, and critical current density $(J_c) for (Bi,Pb)_2Sr_2Ca_2Cu_3O_10 (2223)$ tapes have been studied through the thermal slide heat treatment (TSHT) process. This process consists of a multiple variations of oxygen partial pressures and temperatures at the initial heat treatment During the initial heat treatment some secondary phase such as $(Ca,Sr)_2CuO_3(2/1 AEC), (Ca,Sr)_{14}Cu_{24}O_{41} (14/24 AEC), and (Bi,Pb)_2Sr_2CuO_y$(2201, amorphous phase) farm in Bi-2223 tapes, especially at the 2223 grain boundaries. These secondary phases are detrimental to the phase transformation and final properties. In order to control the secondary phase in Bi-2223 tapes the amount and size of secondary phases among the TSHT process were observed. The results indicate that the amount and particle size of AEC particles were smaller when the TSHT process was used than when the normal process at the initial heat treatment was used which results in the improved $J_c$ properties after the final process.