sciencedirect: A novel Multi‐Phase Flash Sintering (MPFS) technique for 3D complex‐shaped ceramics

 Applied Materials Today 26 (2022) 101274

A novel Multi-Phase Flash Sintering (MPFS) technique for 3D complex-shaped ceramics

Sandra Molina-Molina a,1, Eva Gil-González a,b,1,∗, Francisco José Durán-Olivencia c,
José Manuel Valverde d, Antonio Perejón a,e, Pedro E. Sánchez-Jiménez a,e,∗,
Luis A. Pérez-Maqueda a,∗

Highlights

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  First demonstration of enhanced flash sintering by a rotating electric field.
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  Larger power densities allow for reduced sintering temperatures.
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  A wide variety of ceramics can be more efficiently sintered by MPFS.
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  Homogeneous sintering is attainable even for complex-shaped specimens.

Abstract

This work demonstrates the first proof-of-concept of Multi-Phase Flash Sintering (MPFS). This novel technique essentially consists of applying a rotating electric field to the sample by means of a multi-phase voltage source as furnace temperature increases. Several ceramic materials with different types of electrical conductivities are sintered within seconds at furnace temperatures much lower than those used for traditional DC flash sintering due to the higher power densities administered by a multi-phase power supply. Thus, ceramic materials are flashed at relatively lower applied voltages which minimizes undesired phenomena such as localization and preferential current pathways. Furthermore, MPFS allows diverse electrode configurations to promote a more uniform electric field distribution, enhancing the sintering of 3D complex-shaped specimens. MPFS could be a true breakthrough in materials processing, as 3D complex-shaped specimens are homogeneously sintered at reduced temperatures, while keeping all the advantages of conventional flash sintering.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352940721003371