Ceramic core density and homogeneity in BSCCO/Ag tapes

The monitoring of density by microhardness profiles (HV 0.01) at transverse cross sections of BSCCO/Ag wires and tapes were done after different deformation processes. The results obtained allow better understanding of deformation process of BSCCO/Ag composite and also show what deformation should be used to obtain homogeneous and dense BSCCO-core by powder-in-tube method. The self field transport currents measurements have indicated that optimal value of core density is needed to reach sufficiently high transport currents. Dense ceramic core is not sufficient to reach high J/sub c/ if texture is not improved as well.