FLASH sintering of porcelain stoneware: Effect of composition modifications

In this work, we have exploited FLASH sintering as an alternative sintering process in the production of porcelain stoneware. FLASH sintering of porcelain stoneware occurred at temperatures similar to 1020 degrees C, for 500 V cm(-1), 2 mA mm(-2) in 30 s. These conditions are significantly less severe than those typically applied in its conventional sintering, 1150-1250 degrees C for 1 h. Despite the reduction of time and sintering temperature, FLASH sintered samples exhibit heterogeneous microstructure and elemental distribution, with localized glassy phase formed on the positive pole. By decreasing the feldspar content, less localized glassy phase and more uniform microstructures were obtained, being of relevance the highest density and microstructure uniformity attained in the composition without feldspar. These results extend the FLASH sintering applicability and illustrate its importance for the development of alternative sintering technologies in traditional ceramic industry, that in addition may benefit from the reduction of feldspar in the porcelain stoneware production.

Automated summary

In this study, FLASH sintering technology was explored as an alternative process for producing porcelain stoneware. By using lower temperatures and shorter sintering times compared to conventional methods, FLASH sintering achieved successful sintering of porcelain stoneware. Decreasing the feldspar content led to more uniform microstructures and higher density. These findings illustrate the applicability of FLASH sintering and its importance for developing alternative sintering technologies in the traditional ceramic industry.