  Slurries of powdered Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+x superconductor in low volatility alkanes
were treated with intense ultrasound. Significant enhancements of magnetic
irreversibility as well as transport critical current are reported. The effects
are dependent on the concentration of the slurry and are optimal for 1.5% wt.
slurry loading. Electron microscopy shows that ultrasonic treatment leads to a
change in grain morphology and intergrain welding. The observed enhancement of
superconducting properties is consistent with the limitations in critical
currents in BSCCO superconductor being due to intergrain coupling rather than
intragrain pinning strength.
