Abstract

Microstructural and mechanical properties of Ni-YSZ fabricated using SPS processing have been investigated at various sintering temperatures. Our study shows samples to be applied as a SOFC anode have the proper porosity of 40% and high hardness when processed at 1100°C. These results are comparable to the values obtained at 100-200°C higher sintering temperature reported by others. This result is important because when the fabrication processes are performed above 1100°C, the mechanical property starts to decrease drastically. This is caused by the fast grain coarsening at the higher temperature, which initiates a mismatch between thermal expansion coefficients of Ni and YSZ and induces cracks as well.

• Keywords: Spark plasma sintering;Solid oxide fuel cell;Microstructure;Sintering temperature;Porosity;;