Growth and texture of Spark Plasma Sintered Al2O3 ceramics: a combined analysis of X-rays and Electron Back Scatter Diffraction

TL;DR

This study investigates the microstructural and textural evolution of alumina ceramics produced by Spark Plasma Sintering using combined X-ray and EBSD analysis, revealing high anisotropic mechanical properties.

Contribution

It introduces a combined XRD and EBSD methodology for detailed analysis of SPS-processed alumina ceramics, highlighting texture and grain growth effects.

Findings

High elastic modulus and hardness observed

Significant anisotropy in mechanical properties

Texture and grain growth depend on sintering temperature

Abstract

Textured alumina ceramics were obtained by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) of undoped commercial a-Al2O3 powders. Various parameters (density, grain growth, grain size distribution) of the alumina ceramics, sintered at two typical temperatures 1400{\deg}C and 1700{\deg}C, are investigated. Quantitative textural and structural analysis, carried out using a combination of Electron Back Scattering Diffraction (EBSD) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), are represented in the form of mapping, and pole figures. The mechanical properties of these textured alumina ceramics include high elastic modulus and hardness value with high anisotropic nature, opening the door for a large range of applications