High-frequency induction heated sintering (HFIHS) is utilized to consolidate ultra-fine rutile TiO2 ceramics. Densification to near theoretical density in a relatively short time can be accomplished using this method. Samples of TiO2 with a relative density of up to 98% and an average grain size of about 160 nm could be obtained by sintering at 830 degrees C for 5 minutes under a pressure of 100 MPa. The influence of sintering temperature and mechanical pressure on the final density and grain size of the sintered products was investigated. The sintered materials had fracture toughness and hardness values of 12.8 GPa and 3.1 MPa center dot ml(1/2), respectively.

Keywords: rapid sintering; high-frequency induction heated sintering; TiO2; hardness; fracture toughness