The effect of processing conditions for synthesis of the (Bi,Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system on the content of 2223 superconducting phase with superconducting onset temperature of 110 K was studied. Preparation techniques for the (Bi,Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system proceeding from nitrates, oxides and carbonates were compared and effective formation of the 2223 phase from nitrates was demonstrated. The influence of thermal conditions of the synthesis on the critical current density for polycrystalline samples was investigated. The validity of a model for the behaviour of materials prepared on the basis of multiple weak links is discussed. Analysis is made of the effect of processing on the properties of grain boundaries in ceramics.