Spark plasma sintering of polymer and polymer-based composites: a review

This review provides information on spark plasma sintering (SPS) as a novel approach for polymer and polymer composite manufacturing. Over the years, the potential of this technique has been widely researched and attested for fabricating different metallic and ceramic-based composite without much emphasis on polymers. However, in recent times, this process has been employed to solving numerous challenges encountered while engaging the conventional polymer processing technique such as compression, injection moulding and extrusion in processing high viscous polymers and others. The numerous merit of this process, its mode of operation and applications are thoroughly explained in this review. It also evaluated the outstanding performance and unique properties obtained from the spark plasma-sintered polymer specimen when compared to the conventional polymer processing techniques. It was hence discovered that the thermoelectric properties, thermal conductivity, thermal stability, crystallinity, microstructural, mechanical and tribological properties of the polymer can be greatly enhanced through this process compared to other conventional means. This review will help polymer scientist, industrialist and engineers to properly understand and explore this alternative route in solving many material development challenges.