Spark Plasma Sintering/Field Assisted Sintering Technique as a Universal Method for the Synthesis, Densification and Bonding Processes for Metal, Ceramic and Composite Materials

Abstract

This paper presents the technology of powder sintering by the spark plasma sintering method, also known as the field assisted sintering technique. The mechanisms, compared to other sintering techniques, advantages of this system, applied modifications and the history of the development of this technique are presented. Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) uses uniaxial pressing and pulses of electric current. The direct flow of current through the sintered material allows high heating rates to be reached. This has a positive effect on material compaction and prevents the grain growth of sintered compact. The SPS mechanism is based on high-energy spark discharges. A low-voltage current pulse increases the kinetics of diffusion processes. The SPS temperature is up to 500 °C lower than the sintering temperature using conventional methods. The phenomena that occur during sintering with the Field Assisted Sintering Technology (FAST)/SPS method give great results for consolidating all types of materials, including those which are nonconductive. This method is used, among others, in relation to metals, alloys and ceramics, including advanced and ultra-high-temperature ceramics. Due to the good results and universality of this method, in recent years it has been developed and often used in research institutions, but also in industry.