Rapid synthesis of Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 glass‐ceramics using spark plasma sintering

Glass‐ceramics are possible host matrix for high level waste immobilization. The Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 glass‐ceramic matrix was successfully synthesized using spark plasma sintering (SPS) method in 5 minutes. The phase transition with sintering temperature was studied using X‐ray diffraction, Raman and transmission electron microscopy. It revealed that samples kept a main defected fluorite phase as being sintered below 1800°C. Glass phase increased rapidly beyond 1850°C. The amorphous structure became the main body at 1900°C, with nanoscale crystal scattered in the bulk. With the increase of glass phase, the grain boundary became almost indistinguishable. The relationship between the final phase of Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 with its synthetic temperature range and corresponding technology was reviewed. Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 glass‐ceramics could be acquired by extending the sintering temperature beyond 1850°C using SPS method.