The effect of oxygen pressure on sintering of zinc oxide

Abstract

The effect of oxygen pressure on sintering of zinc oxide has been investigated by measuring isothermal shrinkage of compacts at 750° and 850°C. The sinterability was proportional to Po2-1/5.4 at 750°C in oxygen atomsphere (Po2>2.5×10-2torr) and to Po2-1/5.4 at 850°C in Po2>3×10-3torr. The result indicates that the sintering process is controlled by diffusional transfer of interstitial zinc ions. In the lower oxygen pressure, the sintering rate was independent of the pressure. This result was explained by the cooperation of two different mechanisms, i.e., diffusional transfer of interstitial zinc ions and lattice formation process between interstitial zinc and oxygen.