Change in pore structure of yttria-stabilized zirconia during sintering

Abstract

The behavior of coarse and fine pore channels and closed pores (pore space components) in temperature ranges of intensive (900-1150°C) and less active (1150-1400°C) sintering of a sample pressed from nanosized powder of tetragonal zirconia solid solution is examined. The change in the volume of the sample in the temperature range of intensive sintering is determined by approximately equal decrease in the volume of coarse and fine pore channels, which originate from channels between agglomerates and between aggregates in the powder agglomerates. Closed pores of the sample originating from closed pores of the powder make a minor contribution to the decrease in volume since they contain air. In the temperature range of less active sintering, all fine (200-300 nm) and coarse (0.8-1 μm) pore channels are broken and new closed pores are formed.

Evolution of Pores and Tortuosity During Sintering

“…Sintering is the process whereby interparticle pores in particulate materials are eliminated by atomic diffusion at high temperatures . Traditionally, pores are assumed to be interconnected at low densities, cylindrical at intermediate densities, and spherical at high densities .…”

“…S INTERING is the process whereby interparticle pores in particulate materials are eliminated by atomic diffusion at high temperatures. [1][2][3][4] Traditionally, pores are assumed to be interconnected at low densities, cylindrical at intermediate densities, and spherical at high densities. 5,6 Pore size grows with sintering temperature although a reduction in porosity occurs because of the elimination of pores from the system.…”