Densification and microstructure of spark plasma sintered 7YSZ–Gd2O3 ceramic nano-composites

• Published in: Journal of Asian Ceramic Societies
• Main Authors: E. Serrano Pérez, H. Martinez Gutierrez, K.J. Martinez Gonzalez, E. Marín Moares, F. Juárez López
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2017-09-01
• Subjects: Yttria-stabilized zirconia; Spark plasma sintering; Rare earths
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2187076416301427

Spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique was used to densify 7 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (7YSZ) powder with Gd2O3-particles, at temperatures ranging between 1000 and 1200 °C. Fine dispersion of Gd2O3-particles into a full-densified matrix was achieved. Shrinkage and microstructure, as well as porosity were investigated. The fine Gd2O3-particles distributed into 7YSZ matrix have influence over the sintering consolidation and final microstructure. An increment in the spark plasma sintering temperature around 70 °C is detected when Gd2O3 particles are present. The thermal characterization was performed using the photothermal infrared radiometry technique. Both thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity display a similar sigmoidal (Boltzmann type) behavior with the Gd2O3 concentration in the samples.