Recently, the number of published papers on the sintering technologies activated by current have increased exponentially. In particular, it has been reported that the application of electric field as high as 120 V/cm permitted the instantaneous full densification of yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia at the unusual low temperature of 850°C. The mechanisms of the so called flash sintering phenomenon are elucidated by analyzing the temperature distribution of the bulk sample under the application of the electric field.

Carbon nanotubes are widely used for electronic, mechanical, and optical devices due to their unique structural and quantum characteristics. The species generated by oxidation on the surface of these materials permit binding new reaction chains, which improves the dispersibility, processing and compatibility with other materials. Even though different acid treatments and applications of these CNT have been reported, relatively few research studies have focused on the relationship between the acid treatment and the formation of nanodefects, specific oxidized species or CNT surface defects. In this work, multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) oxidation at 90 • C was characterized in order to determine the acid treatment effect on the surface. It was found that oxidized species are already present in MWCNT without an acid treatment, but there are not enough to cause water-based dispersion. The species were identified and quantified by infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Also, transmission electron microscopy observations showed not only modifications of the oxidized species, but also morphological damage on the surfaces of MWCNT after being subjected to the acid treatment. This effect was also confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The acid treatment generates higher oxidized species, decreasing the zeta potential in the whole pH range.

The formation of aluminum borates (Al 18 B 4 O 33 and Al 4 B 2 O 9) from alumina and boron oxide occurs between 600 and 800°C. These materials have refractory properties and corrosion resistance. The objective of this work is to develop materials from the Al 2 O 3-B 2 O 3 system, employing alumina and boric acid as starting powders, to study the critical processing variables and describe the developed microstructure and properties. Three formulations (13, 19.5 and 26 wt% B 2 O 3) were studied. In order to confirm the formation of borates, the differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis were carried out. Afterwards, uniaxially pressed disc-shaped specimens were fired at four temperatures above the formation temperature. The textural properties of the ceramics were evaluated by the immersion method, this permit to evaluate the sintering processes. Then the degree of borate formation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Finally, the developed microstructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and the diametral compression behavior was evaluated. A series of porous (≈50%) refractory materials from the Al 2 O 3-B 2 O 3 system were developed. The processing strategy resulted in materials with Al 18 B 4 O 33 as the main crystalline phase. Needle grains with diameters between 0.2 and 1 µm and an aspect ratio over 20:1 were obtained. Thus, based on the information gathered from our research, aluminum borate ceramic materials can be designed for structural, insulating or filtering applications employing only alumina and boric acid as boron oxide source.

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