Effects of Al2O3 on the properties and densification of 8YSZ after pulsed current activated sintering

Dense 8YSZ was subjected to pulsed current activated sintering (PCAS) within 1 min of 8YSZ nanopowder preparation using a co-precipitation method. Sintering was accomplished by combining a pulsed current and mechanical pressure. Highly dense 8YSZ with a relative density of up to 99% was produced under simultaneous application of a pressure of 80 MPa and the pulsed current. The effects of the addition of Al2O3 on the sintering behavior, mechanical properties, and ionic conductivities of 8YSZ were investigated.