INFLUENCE OF ELECTRIC FIELDS AT HIGH TEMPERATURES ON CERAMIC MICROSTRUCTURE

The effect of DC electric field on the structural arrangements of stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric spinels, XO∙nAl₂O₃ (X= Zn, Mg), at elevated temperatures, was investigated. The cation distribution within the octahedral and tetrahedral interstitial sites were determined using FTIR spectroscopy and X-Ray diffraction. Our recent experimental results indicate that when applying DC electric field in the course of a heat treatment, a significant effect on the structural defects of non-stoichiometric alulminate spinels powders can be detected. Those defects and the formation of a space charge layer near the interface will be presented and discussed.