Effect of Sintering Atmosphere on the Densification and Electrical Properties of Alumina

The effect of sintering atmosphere on the final density and electrical properties of alumina compacts has been investigated using two different oxygen pressures: air and CO/CO 2 . Measuring of electrical behavior has been considered a tool for determining the mechanism responsible for densification. Finally, the importance of a reducing atmoshphere on the electrical behavior of polycrystalline alumina is pointed out.