The spark sintering method, also known as Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS), is a powder metallurgy technique. It uses high-energy electric sparks to sinter materials at lower temperatures and in shorter times compared to traditional methods.
4 Key Points Explained
1. Mechanism of SPS
In SPS, an electrical current is passed through a conductive pressure die, usually made of graphite. If the material being sintered is conductive, the current also passes through it.
The die acts as a heat source, providing both internal and external heating to the sample. This dual heating mechanism allows for very fast heating rates and short process cycles.
2. Advantages of SPS
The use of pulsed currents and the "spark plasma effect" allows for very fast heating times and short process cycles. This rapid processing inhibits particle growth and prevents the achievement of equilibrium states.
SPS typically requires sintering temperatures that are several hundred degrees lower than those used in conventional sintering methods. This can be advantageous for materials that might degrade at higher temperatures.
3. Process Stages in SPS
The process begins with plasma heating, where electrical discharges between powder particles lead to localized and momentary heating of the particles' surfaces up to several thousands of degrees Celsius.
The high temperatures cause vaporization of impurities concentrated on the particle surface, purifying and activating the surfaces.
The purified surface layers of the particles melt and fuse to each other, forming "necks" between the particles. This is a critical step in the densification process.
4. Applications and Innovations
SPS is used to prepare a variety of materials, including metal materials, ceramic materials, and composite materials. It is particularly effective for preparing dense silicon carbide ceramics when additives like Al2O3 and Y2O3 are used as sintering aids.
The concept of spark sintering has evolved from its initial investigation in the 1960s to the development of more advanced systems like Plasma Activated Sintering (PAS) and Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) in the late 20th century.
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