Spark plasma sintering (SPS) - an advanced sintering technique for structural nanocomposite materials

Abstract

The consolidation of nano-sized composite materials presents a challenge using conventional hot pressing methods. Spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology has shown great promise in the successful sintering of nanoreinforced composite materials. This qualitative review seeks to impart knowledge gathered, and progress made over the years on the consolidation of nanocomposite materials using SPS technology. The review is aimed at introducing this technology to the South African science and engineering community. Emphasis is on improving the mechanical properties of structural ceramic nanocomposite materials, which over the years have shown great promise in a wide range of applications, including transport, energy, mining, and the environment. Although success has been achieved within the laboratory for research purposes, there are still great opportunities to commercialize the technology for the production of larger components with more complex shapes. ceramic nanocomposites, structural materials, spark plasma sintering, fracture toughness, ceramic matrix composites.

Effect of spark plasma sintering temperature on the pore characteristics, porosity and compression strength of porous titanium foams

“…The shortening of the TiO 2 peak with temperature can be linked to the benefits acquired when using SPS. As reviewed by Matizamhuka [17], the SPS technique can produce sparks on the powder surface, which then breaks and remove the oxide layer. Nonetheless, no detrimental impurities such as Cl, NaCl, TiCl 4 , etc.…”

Fabrication of Fine-Grained Functional Ceramics by Two-Step Sintering or Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS)

“…It is apparent that the increasing demand for ceramic materials in more advanced technological applications has resulted in greater need for improved properties and reliability of functional materials [2,13]. The fabrication process plays a critical role in final material characteristics.…”

“…For instance, fine grain size has been experimentally proven to amplify functional material properties such as electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties [1]. It must be mentioned though that the fabrication of dense nanostructured functional ceramics by conventional sintering methods is quite challenging owing to the uncontrollable high grain growth rates [2]. This explains the shift in research focus towards nanostructured functional materials in the past few years.…”

“…In recent years, spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology has proven its capability to fabricate fine-grained microstructures possessing superior properties for a wide range of materials [2]. This method is increasingly being applied in the production of functional ceramic materials.…”

Hybrid Spark Plasma Sintering of Materials: A Review

“…Several fabrication techniques include hot pressing (HP), microwave sintering and spark plasma sintering (SPS) have been reported in the literature to manufacture materials into near net shape [3]. The utilization of conventional sintering (HP) in fabricating materials result in grain growth due to the long sintering cycle and high temperature involved [4]. Also there is a temperature gradient from the edge or surface to the core or inside of the material which affect the mechanical properties of the material [5].…”