Graphite assisted flash sintering of Sm2O3 doped CeO2 ceramics at the onset temperature of 25 °C

Flash sintering of Sm 2 O 3 doped CeO 2 ceramics can be triggered at 25 °C due to the presence of graphite. The current density rise non-linearly to a set limit value in the voltage control stage under an initial electric field of 30 V cm −1 . The calculated conductivity activation energy in this stage is 0.30 eV, which is closely in relation to the electronic conduction of graphite. As graphite is beginning to oxidize, the conductivity of the sample rapidly decreases. While graphite has been completely oxidized, the specimen temperature provides adequate support for the persistence of flash sintering process .