A two-step process is proposed for the formation of c-axis aligned (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ  [Bi(2:2:2:3)] platelets in a silver sheath. The process involves: (1) the formation of c-axis aligned (Bi,Pb)2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ  at early stage of heat treatment and (2) the subsequent intercalation of Ca–Cu–O layers to form Bi(2:2:2:3). This is based on the measurements of (1) the rocking curves for c-axis alignment and the two theta scans for the Bi(2:2:2:3) conversion ratio, both by a transmission x-ray technique, and (2) a quantitative study of the phase conversion due to intercalation of Ca–Cu–O layers into existing Bi(2:2:1:2) by transmission electron microscopy.

Highly textured (c axis perpendicular to the plane of the substrate tape) thick films of YBa2Cu3O7 grown on Ag0.9Pd0.1 and pure silver substrates have been made by a traveling heated zone method. The speed of the traveling zone can be as fast as ∼5 cm/h and the temperatures of the zone, 930–975 °C, were well below the peritectic temperature of YBa2Cu3O7. A precursor layer, which consisted of a nitrate solution of yttrium, barium, and copper cations, was deposited by spray pyrolysis directly onto a heated substrate. The values of the resistively measured Tc were 83–91 K. The transport critical current density of these thick films was in the range of 2–8×103 A/cm2 at 77 K and 0 T.