Flash Spark Plasma Sintering ( <scp>FSPS</scp> ) of Pure <scp> <scp>ZrB</scp> </scp> ₂

Abstract

Pure ZrB 2 powder was Flash sintered in an SPS furnace ( FSPS ). The samples were densified up to 95.0% in 35 s under an applied pressure of 16 MPa. Compared to Conventional SPS ( CSPS ), the newly developed FSPS technique resulted in an unprecedented energy and time savings of about 95% and 98% respectively. ZrB 2 monoliths obtained by CSPS and FSPS were compared with respect to microstructures, densification behavior, and grain growth. The developed methodology might find application to a wide range of highly conductive ceramics as such refractory borides and carbides.