Sintering behavior and mechanical properties of alumina ceramics exposed to oscillatory pressure at different sintering stages

The effect of oscillatory pressure on the sintering behavior and mechanical properties of alumina ceramics was studied at different stages of sintering. Compared to ceramics prepared via conventional hot pressing, samples consolidated by hot oscillatory pressing exhibit the higher density and smaller grain size along with superior hardness and fracture strength. The oscillatory pressure was beneficial to improve the sintering behavior of alumina ceramics, which was independently of the step of sintering. Furthermore, the higher was the temperature at which the oscillatory pressure was applied, the better were the mechanical properties and, consequently, the performance of ceramics.