Flux pinning enhancement in Ag-clad Bi-2212 wires by reactive doping with barium peroxide

Reactive additions of barium peroxide to Bi-2212 are shown to create homogeneously distributed second phases and enhance flux pinning properties. Changes in the melting characteristics caused by the addition also influence the texture of melt-processed Bi-2212 tapes. Heat treatment processes were adjusted corresponding to the Ba content to optimize the critical current densities in high magnetic fields. Results of investigations on microstructural, magnetization, and transport properties were correlated with flux pinning characteristics. Significant improvements in the field dependence of the superconducting properties of Bi-2212 at temperatures between 4.2-10 K were demonstrated.