AC susceptibility measurements have been performed on
Bi1.7Pb0.4Sr1.5Ca2.5Cu3.6Ox
(Bi-2223) samples doped with different Li-based compounds and prepared by the
solid-state method. As-prepared samples and/or samples annealed in oxygen or argon,
ground or unground, have been investigated in detail in order to understand
the occurrence, nature and evolution of the anomalous peaks observed in curves versus the measuring parameters; we have detected up to four peaks instead of the
usual two peaks observed in the non-doped samples. It was found that intrinsic
physical–chemical properties, such as the melting temperature of the doping compound, are
no less important for the final properties of the superconductor than their insertion
properties into the crystal lattice of Bi-2223. Doping compounds with melting temperatures
below or close to the phase formation temperature of the Bi-2223 phase can act as flux,
changing the growth conditions. Intensification of some processes against others
(e.g. decomposition–recovery of the Bi-2223 phase, solubilization–precipitation of the
secondary phases, changes in the properties of the liquid phase, etc) can lead to the
formation of the Bi-2223 phase with different properties than for the non-doped
superconductor. Generally, when using flux-type doping compounds, anomalous AC losses
peaks are detected and the intra-granular critical current density is enhanced.