Enhancing low-temperature sintering in the MgO-LiF system: Mechanistic insights
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In the present article, we provide compelling evidence that minor (1 wt%) additions of micron and nanometre-sized LiF particles in MgO decompose leading to free Li diffusing into MgO surfaces enhancing vacancy production during direct current sintering. The addition of nanometre-sized LiF particles leads to a > 500 °C reduction in the sintering temperature and over 99 % theoretical density of final consolidated compacts. Correlating differential scanning calorimetry with in-situ x-ray diffraction, together with Schottky calculations, post sintering electron microscopy and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, we uncover critical insights into this impressive reduction in sintering temperature. Our quantitative analysis reveals that MgO and LiF interact at low temperatures with the diffusion of Li into the surface of MgO particles due to the intrinsic structural disorder of the LiF and MgO crystallites. Nanometre-sized LiF particles were found to react the most at low temperatures due to their increased structural disorder. Our multimodal characterization points to a Li-promoted densification and sintering mechanism. This impressive reduction in sintering temperature can be harnessed to promote low-temperature fabrication of MgO-based composites for technological applications.
Authors: D.J. Sprouster, L. Gurnani, M. Ouyang, K. Christian, B. Cheng, W.S. Cunningham, P. Negi, S.K. Ghose, Y. Zheng, D.J. Hwang, M.M. Karatas, S.J. Zinkle, J.R. Trelewicz, L.L. Snead
Language: English
Subfield: Ceramics and Composites
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,900
Awards: G241279073, G4096181816, G578912647, NEW COMPETITIVE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR THE SUNY STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY UNDER FOA NUMBER DE-FOA-0002530 (ONWARDS) AND CONTROL NUMBER 2530-1567.
PROJECT TITLE: MATRICY: MATRIX ENGINEERED TRISO COMPACTS ENABLING ADVANCED REACTOR FUEL CYCLES
A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEMS APPROACH TO PROVIDE ECONOMICALLY ATTRACTIVE FISSION POWER THAT SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES COMPACT REACTOR WASTE BURDEN VIA IMPROVED FUEL UTILIZATION AND REDUCED URANIUM LOADING IS PROPOSED BY THE MATRICY TEAM.
OpenAlex ID: W4416754511