Processing studies on varied shape-forming and densification of bulk ceramic superconductor, YBa1·5Ca0·5Cu3O7\t-\gd, are reported in this paper. Polyvinyl butyral-polyethylene glycol-trichloroethylene has been found to be the best binder-plasticizer-solvent system in plastic shape-forming. The effect of initial particle morphology on final densification has been the most sensitive single parameter as compared to compaction pressure and final sintering durations at ∼930°C. 1-2-3 powders of mean particle size ∼ 1·94 µm have yielded sintered densities ∼92% T.D. albeit with lower oxygen intake O6·7.
