A Comparison Between FAST and SPS Apparatuses Based on the Sintering of Oxide Ceramics

Field-assisted sintering technique (FAST) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) apparatuses are based on the same technical principles, but differ in design. A current flows directly through the graphite pressing tool, which acts as heating element in both machines. The main differences are the pressing tool geometry and material, current pulsing and the position of the temperature measurements. Tests under identical conditions (same heating schedule, applied load, and pressing tool, as well as similar pulse patterns) were conducted on both types of set-ups. Three different oxide materials were tested: alumina, 8 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) and zinc oxide.