| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
Materials Science & Technology 2020
|
| Symposium
|
Sintering and Related Powder Processing Science and Technologies
|
| Presentation Title |
Flash Sintering Solid State Ceramic Electrolytes Using a Novel Multi- electrode Approach |
| Author(s) |
Gareth M. Jones, Christopher Green, David Pearmain, Geoff West, Emma Kendrick, Claire Dancer |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Gareth M. Jones |
| Abstract Scope |
Flash sintering (FS) is a promising new technology using electric fields to rapidly densify ceramics at reduced furnace temperatures. FS is of interest for the sintering of sensitive materials such as solid-state battery electrolytes, where volatilisation of charge carriers is a significant issue at conventional furnace temperatures. A key challenge for FS is hotspot formation, unavoidable for most geometries, leading to microstructural inhomogeneity. Here, a technical solution to this problem is presented using a multiple electrode approach, simultaneously driving three separate electrodes to homogenise the current distribution throughout a ceramic green. We show that the current distribution can be controlled using bespoke nonlinear controllers, which drive the electrodes according to appropriate temporal relationships. We demonstrate the viability of this approach by FS of the solid-state electrolyte sodium beta alumina, linking the processing conditions to the development of microstructural features. |