Chemical composition, microstructure and physical properties of magnetically melt-textured bulk Bi2Sr2Ca0.8Dy0.2Cu2O8-y superconducting ceramics

peer reviewedDysprosium doped Bi-based 2212 ceramics were synthesized by a melt-texturing growth process in a 1.2 T magnetic field, applied perpendicularly to the main axis of a cylindrical shape sample. Four well oriented and chemically defined phases forming successive layers were observed and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The origin and composition of such layers is described. A novel aspect is the calcium solubility at the strontium site in 2212 phases, and the strontium solubility at the calcium site in 8250 structures. The texturing process was optimized with respect to the sample electrical resistivity and ac magnetic susceptibility. The critical current density was then evaluated