(Bi-Pb)(2)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+delta ceramic synthesized using a polymer matrix method

Bi-2223 ceramic has been prepared by a polymer matrix method using polyethy lenimine (PEI, 50 wt.%; H2O). This route leads to an intimate and a homogen eous mix of the starting metal acetates, and allows a rapid Bi-2223 phase f ormation compare to the solid state method. Nevertheless. the grain size an d the kinetics of formation of the Bi-2223 phase depends on the calcination conditions and thus on the phase assemblage formed at the end of the calci nation, which determined the reactivity during sintering. The sintering tim e, temperature and intermediate milling have also been optimized to reach t he Bi-2223 powder purity up to 95%. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All righ ts reserved.