Electric-field-assisted processing of ceramics: Nonthermal effects and related mechanisms

Abstract Field-assisted processing methods, such as spark plasma sintering and flash sintering, have considerably expanded the toolbox of ceramic engineering. Depending on conditions, substantial electric currents may flow through material resulting in fast heating rates due to Joule heating. Here, we focus nonthermal effects induced by fields during fluorite- perovskite-based ceramics. The fundamentals how a field can directly modify defect formation migration crystals are discussed. In addition, interplay ion transport electrical conductivity is considered, this being crucial understanding caused (as memristive switching). Electrochemical reactions leading new phases or reduction also described, densification parameters that significantly affected even though sample temperature held constant. Finally, grain-boundary properties segregation changed transport, describe both retardation acceleration grain growth be achieved including graded microstructures.