Numerical model for sparking and plasma formation during spark plasma sintering of ceramic compacts

The conditions for spark discharge and plasma formation in non-conducting ceramic granular compacts subjected to spark plasma sintering (SPS) were analyzed. The SPS plungers-die-powder assembly was modeled, whereby a compact of spherical YAG nanoparticles was considered. Electric resistance of the s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of materials science 2015-07, Vol.50 (13), p.4636-4645
Main Authors: Marder, R., Estournès, C., Chevallier, G., Chaim, R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Assembly
Characterization and Evaluation of Materials
Chemical Sciences
Chemistry and Materials Science
Classical Mechanics
Compacts
Computer simulation
Crystallography and Scattering Methods
Densification
Electric current
Electric currents
Electric properties
Electric sparks
Formations
Material chemistry
Materials Science
Mathematical models
Nanoparticles
Original Paper
Percolation
Plasma physics
Plasma sintering
Plungers
Polymer Sciences
Powders
Resistors
Sintering
Solid Mechanics
Spark discharge
Spark plasma sintering
Static electricity
Surface resistivity
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Summary:The conditions for spark discharge and plasma formation in non-conducting ceramic granular compacts subjected to spark plasma sintering (SPS) were analyzed. The SPS plungers-die-powder assembly was modeled, whereby a compact of spherical YAG nanoparticles was considered. Electric resistance of the simulated SPS assembly versus temperature was comparable to that of the experimental SPS system. The conditions for particle surface charging and discharge were determined with respect to the applied current, the SPS temperature, and duration. Sudden increase in the electric current through the simulated granular compact was observed around 1200 °C, confirming the percolative nature of the current. This finding is in agreement with the experimental densification start at 1250 °C. Moreover, the electric current percolation was simulated by passing a DC current through a modeled granular compact box, comprised of resistors and capacitors which resembled the particle’s surface resistivity and the inter-particle gaps, respectively. Spark discharge and plasma formation depend on connectivity within the granular compact and cease with the formation of a close-packed system.
ISSN:0022-2461
1573-4803
DOI:10.1007/s10853-015-9015-z