2212 intergrowths in the (Bi, Pb)2223 phase have been investigated using in situ high temperature synchrotron XRD technique. With a high energy synchrotron x-ray and high resolution diffractometer, we could obtain high resolution powder XRD patterns of (Bi, Pb)2223 and (Bi, Pb)2212 from the whole bulk inside the Ag-sheath. This gave us more detailed information on 2212 intergrowths in the (Bi, Pb)2223 phase than ever before. During in situ observation, the Ag-tubed precursor was kept at 1095 K with flowing Ar-7.8% O 2 mixed gas. The profiles of the diffraction peaks were analysed by Rietveld analysis to evaluate the isotropic and anisotropic lattice strain of (Bi, Pb)2223 and (Bi, Pb)2212. Considering the evolution of anisotropic lattice strain during the heat treatment, it was concluded that 2212 intergrowths in the (Bi, Pb)2223 phase are not in the untransformed region of (Bi, Pb)2212 after incommensurate intercalation, but a stacking fault-like defect contained in the (Bi, Pb)2223 phase during its nucleation and growth. A new model of 2212 intergrowth formation in the (Bi, Pb)2223 phase was suggested and discussed.

Barrier surrounding oxide superconducting core is effective in reducing AC loss of the multifilamentary tape. Metallic magnesium was chosen as its precursor material. Through the ordinary deformation process to fabricate the tape, the magnesium layer was easily thinned up to sub-micron. By the successive oxidation treatment, the barrier became stable MgO layer. Usefulness of ductile material has been demonstrated to produce ultra-thin barrier.

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