Abstract: An improved process for preparing superconducting ceramic powder includes calcining superconducting precursor compounds in an atmosphere having a controlled amount of oxygen, generally not more than that found in air, the remainder of the atmosphere composed of a gas or mixture of gases inert with respect to the ceramic. A preferred process includes forming the precursor compounds into a slurry, granulating the slurry, drying the granules (a binder can be added to the slurry to promote green strength), and calcining in the controlled atmosphere to provide the desired HTSC (high temperature superconductor) composition.

Abstract: A coating composition for ceramic fibers is provided which includes metal particles and a vehicle. The coating can be applied to a green ceramic or a sintered ceramic, and is co-sintered or sintered therewith. Such coatings are useful for coating high temperature superconducting ceramic fibers and can be co-sintered therewith. The coated superconducting fibers, in which case the coating is porous to allow for annealing to adjust the oxygen stoichiometry, can then be sandwiched between metal cladding layers to provide a multifilamentary electrical conductor including superconducting active components. The coating is useful for such conductors because it compatibilizes the ceramic fiber with metal components, such as a solder, as well as protecting the ceramic from possibly degrading reactions. The compositions are also generally advantageous in compatibilizing ceramic fibers with a metal matrix.