Densification behavior and mechanical properties of nano-alumina ceramics prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering with pressure applied at different sintering stages

High densification and fine grain size are the key to achieve excellent mechanical properties of ceramic materials. Pressure-assisted sintering is an effective approach to achieve this goal. However, the pressure at different sintering stages has different effects on the densification behavior of nano-ceramics. In this work, it is found that adjusting the pressure applying regime during Spark Plasma Sintering of nano-alumina ceramics can effectively increase the densification rate and balance the relationship between the densification behaviors of particle coarsening, grain growth and vapor migration. When the pressure is applied at the beginning of the second sintering stage, the high densification and fine grain size microstructures can be both obtained at lower temperatures, leading to the best mechanical properties. This result is of great significance for the preparation of nano-ceramics with excellent mechanical properties.