Flash Sintering Behavior of La_0.8Sr_0.2Ga_0.8Mg_0.2O_3−x in the Presence of Graphite Powder

In the present study, flash sintering of La_0.8Sr_0.2Ga_0.8Mg_0.2O_3−x compound (LSGM) was studied in the presence of graphite as an additive. It is shown that, with an appropriate amount of the graphite, the sintering temperature of the LSGM compound can be decreased as low as 100 °C. The role of the graphite powder in flash sintering of LSGM is evaluated, with assistance both the heat generated through electrical resistance and burning of the graphite particles. Additionally, effect of flash sintering process's parameters such as applied sintering's parameters such as applied voltage (100-200 V) and limiting current (0.8-1.2 A) on the relative density and microstructural characteristics of the fired samples was also investigated. The phase characterization, carried out by XRD analysis, results in detection of only peaks related to LSGM structure after flash experiments, indicating no formation of secondary phases within limits of XRD detection.