Lead-free Piezoceramics by Low-Temperature Spark Plasma Sintering: Energy effective and environmentally sustainable processing

The main goal of this project is to develop low-temperature Spark Plasma Sintering and Cold Sintering methods (eco-friendly processes) that enable the consolidation and densification of oxide dielectric ceramics below 400°C, for short sintering times and economically sustainable.

In particular, the project will investigate low-temperature processing of some technologically important lead-free piezoceramics that contain metal elements with high volatility, which presents a major problem during processing at high temperatures.