Rapid Preparation of Dense (La[sub 0.9]Sr[sub 0.1])CrO[sub 3] Ceramics by Spark-Plasma Sintering

Abstract

Dense ceramics were prepared using the spark‐plasma sintering (SPS) method. The starting powder (0.2 μm) was densified to ca. 97% of the theoretical X‐ray density with much shorter sintering period (5 min) while preserving a grain size similar to that of the starting powder. The sintering temperature in the SPS process was ca. 1500°C, which is somewhat lower than that of conventional sintering in a muffle furnace (> 1600°C). The electrical conductivity was at 1000°C in air, which is comparable to previously reported values for well‐sintered ceramics. © 2000 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.