JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE, v.40, no.14, pp.3825 - 3827
Abstract
The densification of SnO2 specimens using spark plasma sintering (SPS) process was investigated by varying the SPS conditions and starting powders. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to observe the agglomerates and particle sizes of each powder. It was found that the grains at the porous region were exceptionally large and they exhibited well-developed crystal habit planes. The difference in densification between agglomerates and the matrix was expected to cause the formation of large voids. It was found that full densification could be achieved with the use of well-dispersed SnO 2 powders.