DIL L75 VS – Zirconia – Rate controlled sintering (RCS)
Zirconia ceramic – Thermal expansion / RCS / sintering
In the realm of advanced ceramic production, simulating sintering processes holds paramount importance. Precise knowledge of the optimal sintering rate and temperature is crucial for achieving desired material properties. Alongside simulation, practical experimentation and measurement are frequently employed to optimize sintering conditions.
The utilization of the optional RCS (Rate Controlled Sintering) software package enables the implementation of controlled sintering through a dilatometer, following the PALMOUR III theory. The focus of the following application is on the sintering process of ZrO2 green body, a typical ceramic raw material.
During the experiment, the sinter rate was meticulously defined using the RCS software, ensuring a constant programmed rate. The graphical representation illustrates key parameters: the red curve depicts the sample temperature and heating rate, while the blue and green curves convey the change in length. The purple curve represents the derivative of the length change.
The experimental setup involved linear heating in an L75 horizontal dilatometer. Sintering initiated approximately 50 minutes into the process, around 900°C. The RCS software dynamically adjusted the heating rate to achieve linear sintering until a notable reduction in sinter rate around the 60-minute mark. Subsequently, the software lowered the heating rate, leading to the sample length plateauing around 180 minutes. This plateau signifies the attainment of the final density for the now fully sintered ZrO2.
Related instruments
DIL L75 PT Horizontal
- High performance horizontal single, differential or double pushrod Dilatometer
- Temperature range: -180 up to 1000/1600/2800°C
- LVDT or optical Encoder