Effect of Addition Mg and Na on Phase Formation and Crystallite Size of BPSCCO-2223 Superconductor

Abstract

: Superconductor samples based on BPSCCO-2223 have been prepared using solid state reaction. Precursor material (powder): Bi 2 O 3 , PbO 2 , SrCO 3 , CaCO 3 and CuO were mixed together using agate mortar for 2 h with twice grindings. Powder were then sintered at 300°C for 6 h with a rate of 10°C/min and 820°C for 20 hours at the same rate. MgO powder was added for 5%wt and 15%wt, respectively. The same amount as well as same procedure was applied for Na 2 CO 3 powder addition. The powder was then put into palletising machine with 250 MPa before sintering at 850°C for 30 hours. Effect of addition Na and Mg on crystallite size and phase formation had been observed using XRD (powder method) type PAN analytical Empyrean. XRD-pattern was analysed with aid of Match v1.10 software. Results showed that crystallite size increased for 9.5% by addition of 5%wt Mg but decreased for 13.6% with 15%wt Mg. Addition of 5%wt Na decreased the crystallite size for 31.8%, whereas 15%wt Na decreased it to 14.2%. Maximum volume fraction of Bi-2223 (65.18%) was observed in non-doped sample.