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Microwave Sintering of Zirconia-Toughened Alumina Composites*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

H. D. Kimrey
Affiliation:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, Tennessee
J. O. Kiggans
Affiliation:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, Tennessee
M. A. Janney
Affiliation:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, Tennessee
R. L. Beatty
Affiliation:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, Tennessee
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Abstract

Microwave sintering possesses unique attributes and has the potential to be developed asa new technique for controlling microstructure to improve the properties of advanced ceramics. 1–6 Because microwave radiation penetrates most ceramics, uniform volumetric heating is possible. Thermal gradients, which are produced during conventional sintering because of conductive and radiative heat transfer to and within the part, can be minimized. By eliminating temperature gradients, it is possible to reduce internal stresses, which contribute to cracking of parts during sintering, and to create a more uniform microstructure, which may lead to improved mechanical properties and reliability. With uniform, volumetric temperatures, the generation of nonuniform particle/grain growth due to temperature gradients and associated sintering gradients can be regulated.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1991

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Footnotes

*

Research sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary of Conservation and Renewable Energy, Office of Industrial Technologies, Advanced Industrial Materials Program under contract DE-AC05-840R21400 with Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.

References

REFERENCES

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