Spark Plasma Sintering

The spark plasma sintering (SPS) process is the most advanced form of sintering where it is possible to retain submicron structures at low sintering temperatures and short times. The difference between SPS and other sintering methods has ramifications in process efficiency and energy savings as well as microstructural and compositional implications. These beneficial effects have been largely attributed to a) the higher heating rates, b) imposition of an electric field and c) applied stress during sintering.