Phase formation during nonisothermal decomposition of the freeze-dried Bi : Pb : Sr : Ba : Ca : Cu=1.8 : 0.4 : 1.8 : 0.2 : 1.2 : 2.0 complex nitrate powder

Nitrate powder with cation composition Bi:Pb:Sr:Ba:Ca:Cu = 1.8: 0.4:1.8:0.2 :1.2:2.0 was obtained by spray-frozen, freeze-drying technique. Samples of the nitrate precursor powder were placed in a heated furnace (heating rate similar to 100 degrees C/min) and extracted in air when temperature of the powdered samples attained values of 439, 495, 550, 600, 640, 647, 717, 766, 814, and 850 degrees C. Samples have been investigated by X-ray diffractio n analysis. The obtained data allow us to propose and discuss phase formati on and decomposition processes and reactions that occur in non-isothermal c onditions at different temperatures during thermal decomposition of the nit rate powder.