Influence of gamma irradiation exposure on structural, electrical and magnetic properties of Bi-2223 with Nb2O5 addition

The effects of gamma irradiation on the phase analysis, electrical and magnetic characteristics of Bi-2223 superconductors with Nb2O5 addition were systematically examined. The pristine and Nb-added Bi-2223 superconducting bulk samples were produced by the solid state reaction procedure using high purity oxide powders. The samples were exposed to 1, 5, and 10 kGy gamma ray. The effects of γ-irradiation on the phase analysis, electrical and physical properties of the samples were studied before and after irradiation. The phase formation and the lattice parameters of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The superconducting transition temperatures of the samples were determined from the resistance–temperature curve using the four point probe method. The current carrying capacities of all samples were estimated from the magnetization curve using the Bean critical state model.