The Criteria for Optimization of Spark Plasma Sintering of Transparent MgAl₂O₄ Ceramics

Abstract

In this work, criteria for optimization of the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) regimes to manufacture transparent MgAl₂O₄ ceramics have been suggested. These criteria are not derived from the microstructural characteristics of the sintered samples – density or grain/pore size. In our approach, the criteria for optimization are the coefficients in the equation describing the normalized optical density. After the choice of the criteria was justified, they were used for obtaining transparent MgAl₂O₄ ceramics with improved optical properties by SPS at optimal temperatures, pressures and heating rates. The suggested criteria were determined for representative sets of MgAl₂O₄ ceramic specimens obtained by SPS using different processing parameters.