Preparation and characterization of silver-sheathed Bi(2223) tapes

The optimization of the fabrication of mono- and multifilamentary Bi(2223) tapes has been carried out in order to improve their transport properties. A j(c) value of 34.5 kA/cm(2) at 77K has been achieved on 1 m. long monofilamentary tapes. Multifilamentary tapes have been prepared with up to 61 filaments; their j(c) values are in the range of 20-23 kA/cm(2), mainly depending on the filament number. The multifilamentary tapes have clearly shown a higher degree of texture of the Bi(2223) grains than the monofilamentary ones. Bi(2223) tapes have been also prepared with Ag-Mg sheath in order to improve their mechanical properties. The effect of the sheath material on thermal conductivity and AC losses has been also studied.