Synthesis of bismuth-strontium-calcium-copper oxide powders for silver composite wires with uniform micron sized filaments

A chemical precipitation method is utilized to synthesize bismuth-strontium -calcium-copper oxide powder. Tetra-methyl ammonium hydroxide and tetra-met hyl ammonium carbonate are used as a precipitant and for pH adjustment. Eff ect of processing parameters like carbonization time, and cation solution c oncentration on Bi-2212 powders is reported. Powders with different particl e size and distribution are used to fabricate Ag sheathed multifilamentary Bi-2212 round wires with diameter about 0.06 cm (corresponding to filament diameter about 3 mu m). Significant sausaging was observed for wires proces sed with larger particle size powders. Good filament uniformity was observe d for wires produced from finer powders.