Tuning the flash sintering characteristics of ceria with MnCo2O4

The effect of MnCo2O4 on the electric field assisted flash sintering of CeO2 is demonstrated. CeO2 being a refractory material sinters, conventionally, at very high temperature (similar to 1500 degrees C) and with the assistance of 120-150 V/cm at 890-962 degrees C. A conducting MnCo2O4 which is flash sintered at lower temperatures (200-230 degrees C), by utilizing fields in the range of 12.5-15.0 V/cm is added to ceria to reduce its sintering processing parameters. MnCo2O4 percentage in the composite is varied to understand the significance of the constituent phases during the flash sintering. The extent of sintering along with the phase distribution in the composites is evaluated on the basis of scanning electron microscopy study in backscattered electron mode. Role of the two phases in the flash-effect is emphasized by the measurement of flash threshold parameters, I-V characteristics and specimen temperature during flash sintering.