The sintering mechanism in spark plasma sintering – Proof of the occurrence of spark discharge

Effect of Heating Rate on the Formation of Intermetallics during SHS Process

“…The structure of the SPS initiated sample comprises unreacted titanium and nickel areas, covered by the layers of NiTi intermetallics. The reason of such behaviour probably lies in the fact that in SPS, the highest heating rate is achieved on the surface of the particles due to the electric discharge between them [7]. In this area, the NiTi intermetallics form readily, thus acting as a diusion barrier between the nickel and titanium particles and preventing the reaction propagation.…”

Rapid and low temperature spark plasma sintering synthesis of novel carbon nanotube reinforced titanium matrix composites

“…As a novel and rapid powder consolidation process with unique characteristics in comparison with conventional sintering methods, the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique enables metal matrix composites with good properties to be fabricated by providing much more rapid heating and cooling rates (>500 °C /min), a shorter holding time and a high pressure at a relatively lower sintering temperature [46][47][48]. These characteristics effectively prohibit the grain growth of the Ti matrix and simultaneously prevent the chemical reaction between CNTs and the Ti matrix during the sintering process.…”

Joining of dissimilar materials

“…In the 1950s Lockheed Missile Company developed 'spark sintering' with the use of electrical discharge [170]. This has evolved into 'Spark Plasma Sintering' process (SPS) [230,299]. The physics of the process are not yet fully understood however, and the existence of plasma in the sintering process has been questioned [103].…”