Microstructure and microchemistry of flash sintered K0.5Na0.5NbO3

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.2109/jcersj2.15290

Flash sintering experiments were performed, for the first time, on sodium potassium niobate (KNN) ceramics. A theoretical density of 94% was achieved in 30 s under 250V/cm electric-field at 990°C. These conditions are ³100°C lower and faster than the conventional sintering conditions. Grains tended to grow after 30 s. flash sintering duration under constant electric-field. Detailed microstructural and chemical investigations of the sample showed that there was inhomogenous Na, K distribution and it resembles a coreshell structure where K is more in the shell and Na is more in the core region. The inhomogenous distribution of Na and K was correlated with the doubling of the unit cell within the grain along [002] direction. Compositional equilibrium is achieved after a heat treatment at 1000°C for 4 h. The compositional variations appeared to have been linked to grain boundary melting during flash and consequent recrystallization as the sample cooled.