Athermal electric field effects in flash sintered zirconia

We propose an innovative methodology to quantify the dependence of grain growth with respect current density during flash sintering zirconia (3YSZ) (field set under a nominal limit 150 mA mm−2. This was achieved by using notch (0.5 mm deep and 1.5 wide) located in middle dog-bone specimen, allowing uneven distribution (ranging from 3 670 mm−2) while maintaining fairly homogeneous temperature (1420–1500 °C). Microstructure observations nearby tip confirmed localised overheating. The modelling approach decoupled thermal electrical field effects identifying long questioned athermal electric sintering. Increased seems weakly restrain growth, accelerate densification, promote defects healing (i.e. notch, cracks pores) inter-particle bond formation. These results could rationalise occurring FS joining.