Critical current densities of Bi-2212 thick films processed from commercial precursors

High quality stoichiometric Bi-2212 precursors purchased from commercial producers where analysed and samples partial melt processed thereof. The critical current densities (j(c)) achieved were between 3000 and 5000 A/cm(2), despite identical processing sequence including the peritectic decomposition to the high temperature phases and consequent crystallization to Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8+delta (Bi-2212). A series of powder properties that influence j(c) in the final product were found. The heating rate in the temperature range 550-850 degrees C, when heating to the partial melt state, has a strong influence on the j(c) of the fully processed material. This behaviour could be correlated to particle growth and the reduction of precursor imperfections that acting as nuclei for the peritectic decomposition. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.