Surface temperature distribution on dense 8YSZ ceramics during the steady stage in AC flash sintering

Abstract

The exploration of temperature and its distribution within a sample is helpful for the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of flash sintering. In this work, surface temperature at steady stage of AC flash sintering of dense zirconia ceramics was measured using thermal imaging camera. The temperature of AC flash sintering samples was symmetrically distributed along the length of electric field, which was different from that of the asymmetrical distribution of DC flash sintering. Along the direction of electric field, the lowest and highest temperatures were respectively located at two ends and at midpoint of the sample. Steady stage temperature was shown to depend on current density and not on electric field strength. Steady stage temperature increased with current density. Possible mechanism of symmetrical temperature distribution on the surface of the sample during steady stage of AC flash sintering is discussed herein.