The effect of electric field and pressure on the synthesis and consolidation of materials: A review of the spark plasma sintering method

The use of electric current to activate the consolidation and reaction-sintering of materials is reviewed with special emphasis of the spark plasma sintering method. The method has been used extensively over the past decade with results showing clear benefits over conventional methods. The review critically examines the important features of this method and their individual roles in the observed enhancement of the consolidation process and the properties of the resulting materials. (c) 2006 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.