The effect of the configuration of the silver layer on texture growth and microstructure in silver-sheathed (Bi, Pb)₂Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O_x superconducting tape

Silver-sheathed (Bi, Pb)₂Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O_x(2223) tapes with different configurations of silver layer have been prepared to investigate the effect of the silver layer on texture growth and microstructure of the 2223 phase by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX). It has been shown that the whole silver layers, both lateral and broad layers, significantly enhance texture growth of the 2223 phase. The new understanding of the mechanistic role of the silver layer in texture growth has been presented, based on the high solubility of oxygen in silver and the greater ability of silver with respect to adsorption of oxygen. The silver layer is thought to supply both a fast out-diffusion path for oxygen formed during the transition from the 2212 phase to the textured 2223 phase and a favourable configuration for texture growth of the 2223 phase.