Ultra-fast densification of boron carbide by flash spark plasma sintering

Niu, Bo; Zhang, Fan; Zhang, Jinyong; Ji, Wei; Wang, Weimin; Fu, Zhengyi

doi:10.1016/j.scriptamat.2016.02.012

Cited by 83 publications

(53 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…The initial sample can be either obtained using cold pressing, carbonaceous binders or pre-sintering. In some other FSPS configurations raw powders [32] are used. Green samples with homogeneous density are desirable, uneven green density might affect the local electrical conductivity and in turn densification.…”

Section: Experimental Details For Fsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Such techniques have identified the formation of an apparent 'new' phase during FS of 3YSZ samples [39] and an apparent 'reversible' texturing formation only maintained while the field was applied to TiO 2 [40] samples. Even if these techniques are very powerful for in situ investigations, the interpretation of the results in terms of precise quantification (lattice parameters and crystal structure) of 'new' phase is difficult [39] mainly because of the narrow 2θ range, which is within 1°a nd the relatively slow acquisition time of 1.5 s. [56], silicon carbide (SiC) [43,61,80] and boron carbide (B 4 C) [32]; as well as several metalliclike non-oxide ceramics (ZrB 2 and MoSi 2 ) [35,80,81]. As illustrated in Figure 3, FSed materials can be grouped with respect to their type of electrical conductivity at T Onset ( Figure 9).…”

Section: Phase Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the case FS of semiconductors, such as SiC [61] and B 4 C [32], there is a metal-semiconductor junction, which produces Schottky barriers.…”

Section: Effects Of Electrode Materials and Its Catalytic Activitymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Review of flash sintering: materials, mechanisms and modelling

Grasso

McKinnon

et al. 2016

Advances in Applied Ceramics

402

248

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Flash sintering (FS) is an energy efficient sintering technique involving electrical Joule heating, which allows very rapid densification (<60 s) of particulate materials. Since the first publication on flash-sintered zirconia (3YSZ) in 2010, it has been intensively researched and applied to a wide range of materials. Going back more than a century ago, we have found a close similarity between FS of oxides and Nernst glowers developed in 1897. This review provides a comprehensive overview of FS and is based on a literature survey consisting of 88 papers and seven patents. It correlates processing parameters (i.e. electric field magnitude, current density, waveforms (AC, DC) and frequency, furnace temperature, electrode materials/ configuration, externally applied pressure and sintering atmosphere) with microstructures and densification mechanisms. Theorised mechanisms driving the rapid densification are substantiated by modelling work, advanced in situ analysis techniques and by established theories applied to electric current assisted/activated sintering techniques. The possibility of applying FS to a wider range of materials and its implementation in industrial scale processes are discussed.

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Section: Experimental Details For Fsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Phase Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

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Review of flash sintering: materials, mechanisms and modelling

Grasso

McKinnon

et al. 2016

Advances in Applied Ceramics

402

248

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“…This approach has been employed in both flash spark plasma sintering [27][28][29][30][31], where a commercial spark plasma sintering apparatus is used without the usual graphite mould and with high heating rates, and in a home-built approach using an induction furnace [32]. Uniaxial pressure can be applied at minimal or higher levels to maintain contact.…”

Section: Flash Sintering Apparatusmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Boron carbide has also been sintered by the flash spark plasma sintering method by Niu et al [29]. In this work an insulating mould was used so pre-sintering of the sample was not required.…”

Section: Boron Carbidementioning

confidence: 99%

Flash sintering of ceramic materials

Dancer¹

2016

Mater. Res. Express

160

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During flash sintering, ceramic materials can sinter to high density in a matter of seconds while subjected to electric field and elevated temperature. This process, which occurs at lower furnace temperatures and in shorter times than both conventional ceramic sintering and field-assisted methods such as spark plasma sintering, has the potential to radically reduce the power consumption required for the densification of ceramic materials. This paper reviews the experimental work on flash sintering methods carried out to date, and compares the properties of the materials obtained to those produced by conventional sintering. The flash sintering process is described for oxides of zirconium, yttrium, aluminium, tin, zinc, and titanium; silicon and boron carbide, zirconium diboride, materials for solid oxide fuel applications, ferroelectric materials, and composite materials. While experimental observations have been made on a wide range of materials, understanding of the underlying mechanisms responsible for the onset and latter stages of flash sintering is still elusive. Elements of the proposed theories to explain the observed behaviour include extensive Joule heating throughout the material causing thermal runaway, arrested by the current limitation in the power supply, and the formation of defect avalanches which rapidly and dramatically increase the sample conductivity.Undoubtedly, the flash sintering process is affected by the electric field strength, furnace temperature and current density limit, but also by microstructural features such as the presence of second phase particles or dopants and the particle size in the starting material. While further experimental work and modelling is still required to attain a full understanding capable of predicting the success of the flash sintering process in different materials, the technique nonetheless holds great potential for exceptional control of the ceramic sintering process.

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