CRYSTALLIZATION PROCESS IN PB-FREE OR PB-DOPED BI2-XPBXSR2CA2CU3O10-YGLASS SYSTEM

Bi2-xPbxSr2Ca2Cu3O10-y synthesis (for x = 0.0 and x = 0.3) has been ma de starting from a glass precursor. After splat quenching, the samples have been annealed at different temperatures for various time spans. X-ray diffraction data and other standard measurements show various gr owth mechanisms. The 2223 phase results from a dissolution-reprecipita tion process rather than from direct recrystallization. A 2201 phase p recipitates at high temperature and reacts rapidly with the melt to fo rm the 2223 phase. The kinetics of the lead-substituted sample seems t o be controlled by the Ca2PbO4 liquid phase. Alumina contaminated phas es have been put into evidence and result from the reaction with the c ontainer. Heterogeneous nucleation of the 2223 phase at their surface seems also to exist, as previously reported in other systems.