Complex shape transparent Al2O3 fabricated by integrated Spark Plasma Sintering - Additive manufacturing technology
Elisa Torresani, Cheolwoo Park, Thomas Grippi, Chris Haines, Eugene A. Olevsky
Abstract
Spark plasma sintering (SPS) is one of the most promising technologies for producing polycrystalline transparent ceramics. However, it has limitations regarding the complexity of the geometries that can be produced. This study addresses these limitations by combining additive manufacturing techniques with spark plasma sintering. Additionally, a Multiphysics sintering model based on the continuum theory of sintering is employed to predict the outcomes of the SPS process, particularly the microstructure of the densified parts. As a result, the geometrically complex Al2O3 transparent parts manufactured in this study exhibit a uniform microstructure, high density (∼99%), and a linear transmittance of 16% at 490 μm.