Formation and growth studies of the (Bi,Pb)<Subscript>2</Subscript>Sr<Subscript>2</Subscript>Ca<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>10</Subscript> phase in Ag sheathed tapes

The formation and the thickness growth of the (Bi,Pb)₂Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O₁₀ phase in Ag-sheathed tapes have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy on samples sintered at 840°C in a flow of 8.5% O₂ (rest N₂) and quenched in air after sintering for 1 to 50 h. The thickness of the (Bi,Pb)₂Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O₁₀ grains was measured statistically after different sintering times. The experimental results show that the average thickness of these grains increases during the entire sintering period, while the average thickness growth rate decreases exponentially with sintering time. The volume fractions of the various phases present during the heat treatment were also measured from micrographs. Detailed studies of the microstructure and phase formation kinetics support the view that the formation of the (Bi,Pb)₂Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O₁₀ phase proceeds via a nucleation and growth process. Based on the present observations, a model describing the microstructure evolution is presented.