Influence of green state processes on the sintering behaviour and the subsequent optical properties of spark plasma sintered alumina

The present investigation gives a quantitative correlation between different green microstructures, and their sintering behaviour during spark plasma sintering. The green microstructures were elaborated via various green shaping processes such as direct casting and direct coagulation casting compared to uniaxial compaction of the as-received sub-micron grained corundum powder. Narrowing pore size distribution and reducing pore size (approximate to 40 nm) in the green compact could favour cold densification during initial uniaxial pressing by grain sliding and rearrangement. This is attributed to the soft homogeneous touching network in direct-cast green samples. Consequently, grain growth was impeded and the onset of shrinkage was delayed. Moreover, the small pores and the narrow pore size distribution in the homogeneous green bodies led to higher final densities, with better optical properties compared to the less homogeneous green samples. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.