Enhanced Densification in Tl-1223/Ag Tapes Prepared Using Pretreated Precursors

The effects of reacted precursors on phase evolution, microstructure, $J_{c}$ and junctional characteristic of the inter-granular contacts were investigated in Ag-sheathed T1-1223 tapes prepared using three kinds of reacted precursors, and compared to those in the tape prepared using an unreacted precursor The precursors were prepared by heat-treating a mixture of Sr-Ba-Ca-Cu-O, $Tl_2$$O_3$, PbO and $Bi_2$$O_3$ powders at $805^{\circ}C$ (precursor I ), $840^{\circ}C$ (precursor II ) and $905^{\circ}C$(precursor III) for 20 min. Tl-1223 phase content, grain size and J\ulcorner in the tapes appeared to increase in an order of precursors I, II and III Compared to tapes prepared using an unreacted precursor, the tapes prewar ed using precursors II and III revealed reduced pore and impurity densities and an enhanced texture. Also characteristic of inter -granular contacts and fraction of strong-links were improved. The improved properties are attributed to enhanced densification resulting from using the reacted precursors.s.