Beyond its role in sintering, flash experiments have been utilized to simultaneously synthesize and sinter ceramic materials. Using in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD), we demonstrate that reactive flash sintering can significantly influence the crystallization and reaction pathways of various materials compared to conventional heating. In this talk, I will present examples where electric-field-assisted flash processing either suppresses or enhances the formation of intermediate phases [1,2]. Additionally, a case where flash processing accelerates the synthesis rate without altering the reaction pathway will be discussed [3]. Finally, I will explore recent advancements in leveraging flash processing to controllably crystallize glass-ceramics by monitoring electrical parameters in real time and precisely regulating the power dissipation during flash experiments [4].

References: 
[1] V. Avila, B. Yoon, R.R. Ingraci Neto, R.S. Silva, S. Ghose, R. Raj, L.M. Jesus, Scr. Mater. 2020, 176, 78.
[2] V. Avila, B. Yoon, S. Ghose, R. Raj, L.M. Jesus, J. Eur. Ceram. Soc. 2021, 41, 4552.
[3] B. Yoon, J. V. Campos, I.R. Lavagnini, V. Avila, J.M. Gardner, S.K. Ghose, L.M. Jesus, J. Am. Ceram. Soc. 2023, 107, 785.
[4] J.V. Campos, I.R. Lavagnini, T.D. de Souza, L.D. Silva, L.M. Jesus, H. Bradtmüller, E.D. Zanotto, A.C.M. Rodrigues, Acta Mater. 2025, 284, 120620.