Abstract
The reaction of (Bi, Pb)2Sr2Cu1O x (2201), (Bi, Pb)2Sr2Ca1Cu2O x (2212), Ca2CuO3 and CuO is studied to clarify the transformation mechanism through which the high T c phase (2223) forms. Before and during the formation of 2223, the following change occurs: 1) Ca and Cu contents in 2212 increase and the c-lattice constant of 2212 decreases; 2) a Ca-rich Sr-Ca-Cu phase (Sr-Ca-Cu I) and a Ca-poor one (Sr-Ca-Cu II), which form before the formation of 2223, react with the above-mentioned 2212 and transform it to 2223.