Microwave sintering of calcium strontium zirconium phosphate ceramics

Ceramics of Ca0.5Sr0.5Zr4P6O24, or CSZP, were fabricated by 2.45 GHz microwave processing at 1300-1450 degrees C and characterized for density, phase composition, and microstructure. Typically, 30 min. microwave sintering at 1300 degrees C led to relative densities ranging from 81 to 94%, depending on green density. By comparison, 30 min. conventional sintering at the same temperature only led to densities from 66 to 80%; and for 24 h, 74 to 89%. That a higher density was achieved in microwave sintering within a short processing time indicates the densification rate, or diffusion, of CSZP under the microwave processing conditions was significantly enhanced. 5 refs., 5 figs