Preparation of Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ films using sedimentation process and melt-quenched method

Bi1.6Pb0.4Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+delta/(Bi-2223) films were fabricated on polished (110) and (001) MgO substrates using a Sedimentation Process with Melt-Quenched heat treatment. The procedure involves suspending Bi-2223 powders in acetone and allows the liquid to evaporate and leave a deposit on the substrates. The sediment powders on the substrates were heat treated wherein the films were partially melted and subjected to prolonged post-annealing treatment at 860 degrees C. It is observed that quenching after post-annealing promoted single phase transition. Single phase Bi-2223 films were obtained with T-c ranging from 110 to 118 K. The films however are not well c-axis oriented although a number of XRD peaks show (00(sic)) orientation. Bi-2223 predominates the films reaching up to similar to 90% based on the XRD data. SEM micrographs show granular and interconnected morphologies with visible Cu-rich rods. X-ray Diffraction reveals these rods to be (Sr,Ca)-Cu-O phase. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of ISS Program Committee.