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Ultrafast-Contactless Flash Sintering using Plasma Electrodes
Theo Saunders1, Salvatore Grasso1, Michael J Reece1
1School of Engineering and Material Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK.
Scientific Reports
|June 9, 2016
Summary
Contactless flash sintering (CFS) uses plasma electrodes for continuous material processing. This novel method achieves full density in boron carbide and silicon carbide composites with rapid heating rates.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Ceramics Engineering
- Advanced Manufacturing
Background:
- Flash sintering is a rapid ceramic processing technique.
- Traditional flash sintering requires direct electrical contact and preheating.
- Continuous processing is desirable for industrial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel contactless flash sintering (CFS) method.
- To enable continuous throughput flash sintering.
- To investigate the sintering behavior of B4C and SiC:B4C composites using CFS.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing plasma electrodes for contactless electrical current transfer.
- Employing arc plasma for simultaneous preheating up to 1400°C.
- Sintering pre-compacted samples of pure B4C and SiC:B4C 50 wt%.
Main Results:
- Achieved full density consolidation of B4C and SiC:B4C composites.
- Sintering occurred at heating rates approaching 20000°C/min.
- Demonstrated limited grain growth in the sintered composite material.
Conclusions:
- Contactless flash sintering (CFS) is a viable method for rapid ceramic consolidation.
- The CFS technique allows for continuous processing, enhancing industrial applicability.
- CFS effectively sinters B4C and SiC:B4C composites to full density with controlled microstructure.
