Phase relations in the system BiO_1.5–SrO–CuO at 1123 K

Abstract

Phase relations in the system Bi–Sr–Cu–O at 1123 K have been investigated using optical microscopy, electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) of equilibrated samples. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was used to confirm liquid formation for compositions rich in BiO_1.5. Compositions along the three pseudo-binary sections and inside the pseudo-ternary triangle have been examined. The attainment of equilibrium was facilitated by the use of freshly prepared SrO as the starting material. The loss of Bi₂O₃ from the sample was minimized by double encapsulation. A complete phase diagram at 1123 K is presented. It differs significantly from versions of the phase diagram published recently.