Thermoelectric properties of Ca0.9Yb0.1MnO3-x prepared by spark plasma sintering in air atmosphere

In this paper we report the densification of Ca0.9Yb0.1MnO3-x ceramics by spark plasma sintering (SPS) in different atmospheres and using different tools. The thermoelectric properties of these ceramics are reported and compared to those of ceramics obtained by conventional sintering. This study clearly demonstrated the possibility for processing oxide materials by SPS under air atmosphere and overcomes the problem of reduction due to the low oxygen partial pressure (graphitic environment, dynamic vacuum or neutral atmosphere) commonly encountered. (C) 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.