The phase equilibrium diagram of Bi2O3–SrO–CaO–CuO–A tool of processing the high‐ Tc superconducting bismuth‐compounds

Research News: The preparation of single phase ceramics and the processing of complex compositions is greatly simplified by a comprehensive understanding of the phase equilibria. Exploiting this knowledge has enabled researchers to prepare the 2223 phase of the superconductor Bi2Sr2Can−1CunO2n+4+d in 80% purity. The information which can be gleaned from a phase diagram of a superconducting system is explained and the use of the data in producing materials suited for use in superconducting components is described.