Flash sintering of 3YSZ and in-situ joining with 304 stainless steel using copper as an interlayer

We demonstrated the feasibility of flash sintering of 3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (3YSZ) and its in situ joining with metal by applying an electric field. Herein, rapid densification of 3YSZ and its robust joining with 304 stainless-steel by using copper as a soft interlayer were achieved under a preset alternating current/direct current (AC/DC) field within only 1 min at 950 degrees C. Nevertheless, defects were present in the microstructures of the joints under the application of a single AC or DC field. The sintering joining mechanisms were addressed in view of electric field-induced Joule heating and internal electrochemical reaction. (c) 2020 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Flash sintering and in situ joining of 3YSZ with metal were achieved under an electric field, leading to rapid densification. However, defects were present in the joints due to the application of a single AC or DC field. Electric field-induced Joule heating and internal electrochemical reaction were the key mechanisms for the sintering process.