Spark plasma sintering (SPS) is an ultrafast sintering method for the preparation of ceramics and ceramic composites with simple geometrical shapes, with the combined application of uniaxial pressure. This study aims to propose an SPS densification method for Si3N4 ceramic balls without necessitating alterations to tools and equipment. The Si3N4 ceramic balls intended for sintering are positioned within a SiC powder bed inside the conventional die used in SPS. The study systematically investigates the effects of presintering temperature (1400°C, 1500°C, and 1600°C) and SPS temperature (1600°C, 1700°C, and 1800°C) on the sphericity, relative density, phase composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of Si3N4 ceramic balls. Experimental findings reveal that Si3N4 ceramic balls exhibiting an optimal combination of sphericity (0.94 ± 0.02), relative density (98.4%), and mechanical properties (Vickers hardness: 17.5 ± 0.4 GPa, fracture toughness: 6.4 ± 0.1 MPa·m1/2) were successfully achieved at a pre-sintering temperature and SPS temperature of 1600°C, coupled with the use of a SiC powder bed and SPS method. Consequently, the SPS method demonstrates its capability to fabricate Si3N4 ceramic balls with excellent performance.
Air oxidation is the main cause of the excessive consumption of prebaked anodes, which not only wastes carbon resources but also increases carbon emissions. In this study, a quasi-molten coating with self-healing for prebaked anode by using the slurry method was proposed. This coating utilizes the viscous molten liquid phases to bond the carbon anode, absorbs thermal stress, insulates the carbon anode from the air, and provides self-healing capabilities at elevated temperatures, while the solid phase provides toughening properties. A series of oxidation experiments have shown that the coating has superior oxidation resistance than coatings reported in the literature.