The effects of the calcination conditions (time, temperature, intermediate
milling) on the kinetics of formation of Bi-2223 and on the grain size were
studied using a powder precursor synthesized by the polymer matrix method.
The samples were characterized by XRD and SEM analysis. The grain size and
the kinetics of formation of Bi-2223 strongly depend on the calcination co
nditions and thus on the phase assemblages formed at the end of the calcina
tion that determines the reactivity during sintering. The higher the calcin
ation temperature is the larger the grain size. We have observed that 24 h
of calcination at 820 degrees C without intermediate milling allows one to
obtain 79% of Bi-2223 phase in 60 h of sintering at 835 degrees C.