Sintering of bulk high- Tc superconductors: Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O

Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}CaCu{sub 2}O{sub x} (2212) and (Bi,Pb){sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x} (2223) superconductors have orthorhombic crystal structures. They form platelike grains that at high temperatures grow primarily in the a-b planes and not in the c direction. The diffusional properties of Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductors are so anisotropic that 2212 and 2223 cannot, in general, be densified by solid-state sintering. Improved densification can be achieved by application of pressure or by use of transient liquid phases. Most useful bulk Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductors are composites that contain Ag. The Ag lowers the melting points of the superconductors, which has significant effects on microstructural development. The results of disparate sintering studies are presented and discussed