Effects of MgO addition on phase evolution and flux pinning of Bi-2212/Ag tapes fabricated by electrophoretic deposition and partial-melting processing

Abstract

MgO or particulates were introduced into Bi-2212/Ag tapes during the fabrication process with the intention of producing flux pinning centres. It was found that (i) MgO or normal particles added to Bi-2212 superconductor do not react chemically with or corrupt the Bi-2212 phase, but MgO may alter the phase evolution during the partial melting and the solidification of Bi-2212 and reduce the second-phase inclusions, (ii) MgO addition may enhance the flux pinning potential in a certain region of temperature and magnetic field (the contributions of MgO addition to the flux pinning potential are still not clear) and (iii) addition appears to have no effect on the properties of finished samples.