The effect of the number of Ag layers on some physical properties of Bi1.8Pb0.4Ca2.2Sr2Cu3Ox

Bi1.8Pb0.4Ca2.2Sr2Cu3Ox/Ag multilayered samples with 2, 4 and 8 layers are prepared by powder in tube (PIT) method and the effect of multilayering with Ag on the superconducting and the microstructural properties of Bi1.8Pb0.4Ca2.2Sr2Cu3Ox is studied. The investigations consist of XRD, SEM, EDS, magnetoresistivity, and I-V measurements. In the magnetoresistivity measurements, magnetic fields up to 0.5 T are applied both parallel and perpendicular to the current flow direction. The superconducting and microstructure properties of the samples are enhanced as the number of Ag layers are increased. The samples are composed of a highly oriented Bi-2223 phase in the regions near the Ag layers. The formation of the dense oriented structure is near the interface between oxide and the Ag layer. T-c and J(c) values are enhanced from 107 to 109 K and from 240 to 600 A/cm(2) by increasing the number of Ag layers, respectively. The results suggest that Ag plays an important role in the improvement of superconducting properties. The possible mechanisms of the enhancement of superconducting properties due to Ag layering are discussed.