A novel programmed shrinkage dilatometer for optimized sintering of powder ceramics

Abstract

A fast-firing shrinkage rate controlled dilatometer was developed as a tool for optimizing sintering of powder compacts. The instrument described in this work features an infrared imaging radiation furnace and a low thermal mass dilatometer assembly which allowed controlled heating and cooling rates of up to 500°C min⁻¹. Shrinkage control was accomplished using a computer interfaced PID control algorithm. Adjustments were made to hardware and software which reduced specimen creep under dilatometer pushrod load, eliminated non-uniform pushrod expansion, fostered reproducible specimen temperature determination, accounted for thermal expansion during sintering, and generated instantaneous termination of sintering at the specified end of RCS. Tests performed on ZnO samples demonstrated very rapid thermal response and excellent shrinkage control.