Preparation of nearly single phase 2223 in Bi<SUB>1.6</SUB>Pb<SUB>0.4</SUB>Sr<SUB>2</SUB>Ca<SUB>2</SUB>Cu<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUB>y</SUB> composition by a semi-wet route using Pb<SUB>0.2</SUB>SrCa(CO<SUB>3</SUB>)<SUB>2.2</SUB> precursor

A new method for the synthesis of nearly single phase 2223 in Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3Oy composition within 72 h of total heat treatment, using coprecipitates of (1) 0.2 Pb, Ca, Sr as carbonates and (2) 1.6 Bi, 3 Cu as oxalate, is reported. Samples prepared have been characterized by their crystal structure using XRD, microstructure using SEM and electrical resistivity