About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Advances in Ceramic Materials and Processing
|
| Presentation Title |
Critical Analysis of Activation Energies Obtained From Shrinkage in Spark Plasma Sintering Data |
| Author(s) |
Caen Ang, Ethan Payne, Brandon Connor, Sean Drewry, Jonas Kessing |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Caen Ang |
| Abstract Scope |
Critical analysis is needed in extraction of the activation energy of diffusion using Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS). Cursory review shows wide ranging values inconsistent with current understanding of diffusion mechanisms. Along with other materials, aluminum oxide was used for calibration, due to well-known characteristics in the initial, intermediate and final stage of sintering, and tracer data. The activation energy was determined, and common process variables such as powder size or heating rate were added, in order to verify the accuracy of the approach. Subsequently, the assumptions of Coble, Young, Cutler and Johnson are misapplied with typical parametrics. Consequently, lower activation energy were typically found, coupled with additional confusion such as inability to determine onset of shrinkage. Since sintering rates are controlled by the slowest moving species (on the fastest diffusing path), users may even be left with meaningless values not representative of the intention of these pioneers. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
High-Temperature Materials, Ceramics, Powder Materials |