Dense YMn2O5 Ceramics Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering

Dense multiferroic YMn2O5 ceramics with a single orthorhombic phase are quite difficult to prepare because the orthorhombic phase decomposes at about 1180 degrees C. In this study, spark plasma sintering (SPS) was investigated to synthesize YMn2O5 ceramics. The sample sintered at 900 degrees C for 5 min by SPS consisted of the main orthorhombic YMn2O5 phase and a small amount of hexagonal YMnO3 phase and Mn3O4. After heat treatment at 1100 degrees C for 9 h, YMn2O5 ceramics in a single orthorhombic phase with a relative density of 94% were obtained. The results suggested that SPS is a promising process for preparing ceramics whose optimal sintering temperatures are higher than their decomposition temperatures.