(Bi–Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ ceramic synthesized using a polymer matrix method

Bi-2223 ceramic has been prepared by a polymer matrix method using polyethylenimine (PEI, 50 wt.% H2O). This route leads to an intimate and a homogeneous mix of the starting metal acetates, and allows a rapid Bi-2223 phase formation compare to the solid state method. Nevertheless, the grain size and 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 calcination, which determined the reactivity during sintering. The sintering time, temperature and intermediate milling have also been optimized to reach the Bi-2223 powder purity up to 95%.