Abstract
In this paper, we present a novel sintering technique, called spark plasma sintering, that we apply for the synthesis of mineral aggregates used for experimentation. We show how dense polycrystalline aggregates of forsterite Mg2SiO4 and MgO mixed in various proportions can be obtained within minutes and with limited grain growth. Finally, we briefly mention the high-pressure experiments we performed with such samples.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank C. Estournès, G. Raimbeaux and G. Chevallier of the Plateforme Nationale de Frittage Flash (PNF2) of the CIRIMAT laboratory (Univ. Paul Sabatier, Toulouse) where we performed our SPS experiments and N. Canal who helped in the preparation and observation of a few samples. This research was made possible by funding from the 2008 and 2009 SEDIT programme at INSU.