Electron microscopy observation of electric field-assisted sintering of stainless steel nanoparticles

The intrinsic role of electrical current on the electric field-assisted sintering (EFAS) process of stainless steel 316L nanoparticles has been revealed by both ex situ and in situ experiments. A novel device on the Si chip has been designed and fabricated to fit into the sample holder of a transmission electron microscope for these experiments. The evolution of nanoparticle morphology and microstructures during the EFAS process has been studied using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, which has been combined with the simultaneous measurement of the electric voltage and current changes. A preliminary four-stage mechanism for the EFAS process of stainless steel 316L nanoparticles has been proposed based on these experimental investigations.

Automated summary

The intrinsic role of electrical current in the electric field-assisted sintering process of stainless steel 316L nanoparticles has been revealed through ex situ and in situ experiments. A novel device on a Si chip was designed and fabricated for these experiments, allowing for the observation of nanoparticle morphology and microstructures using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Based on these experimental investigations, a preliminary four-stage mechanism for the EFAS process of stainless steel 316L nanoparticles has been proposed.