UC Irvine

The method of using an applied electric field during the sintering process (flash sintering) has the potential to be a cost and energy saving method for the manufacturing of many ceramic products. Since flash sintering is still an emerging field of research, most of the work has been centered on single phase systems. This study will evaluate the viability of applying flash sintering to a multiphase composite system; more specifically ceramic composites consisting of Al2O3 (alumina), 8 mol % yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ), and MgAl2O4 (Spinel). Various flash sintering conditions were studied, as well as in-situ characterization methods. By tailoring the flash sintering parameters, fully dense, fine grained, three-phase composites were formed with improved mechanical properties. Reaction sintering was also found to be possible with flash sintering of multiphase composites, with the formation of high alumina spinel specifically. In addition, 8YSZ was discovered to have a catalytic effect with flash sintering. The results of this study show that flash sintering has promise as a quick and energy efficient method to sinter complex systems as well as form unique phases when applied to ceramic composites.