Modeling the sintering trajectory of ZnO by cold sintering process

Abstract

It was recently demonstrated that the apparent activation energy for densifying ZnO by Cold Sintering Process in the presence of acetic acid was reduced by a factor of four compared to Spark Plasma Sintering of the same dry raw powder. Building on this study, the sintering curves of zinc oxide sintered by Cold Sintering Process are modeled for the first time. By applying load sintering models to Cold Sintering Process, it is possible to predict microstructures (densities and grain sizes) through simulating the experimental sintering curves. Key sintering parameters (activation energy of densification mechanisms and grain growth, creep law stress exponent, creep law grain size sensitivity exponent) are determined, enabling a discussion of the mechanisms involved during the Cold Sintering Process of ZnO in acetic acid.