Fabrication of graded alumina by spark plasma sintering

Abstract Functionally graded materials (FGMs) attract considerable interest in science and industry, since their composition or morphology gradually changes along length, width, height, which provides new approach for the development of multifunctional materials. In this paper, we studied fabrication a gradient microstructure alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) by spark plasma sintering (SPS). During SPS process, applied asymmetric graphite tool configuration causes large temperature gradient, results changing Al ceramics. The local temperatures were quantitatively measured through extra thermocouples during processes with various configurations. most configuration, maximum vertical difference 225 °C was detected within sample treated at 1300 pressure 25 MPa 200 °C·min ?1 heating rate. investigations demonstrated ceramic: one part exhibited fine, nanostructured open permeable pores, whereas other solid without pores. Our show that ceramic can be produced single-step offers directions FGMs research. With an conditions, structure ceramic, such as porosity, designed according to requirements application area.