Global research trends in spark plasma sintering: A bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed publications en en Spark plasma sintering (SPS) has become one of the most influential powder consolidation technologies for advanced materials. Its capability to rapidly densify ceramics, metals, composites, and functional materials while preserving fine microstructures has significantly expanded its applications across materials science and engineering. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 21,714 publications, updated as of June 27, 2026, indexed in the Scopus database using the keyword spark plasma sintering. Publication characteristics were analyzed with respect to annual production, subject areas, document types, languages, journals, authors, countries, affiliations, funding agencies, and open-access status. The results demonstrate remarkable growth in SPS research over the past two decades, particularly after 2010, reflecting increasing industrial and academic interest in rapid sintering technologies. Materials science remains the dominant discipline, followed by engineering, physics, and chemistry. China has emerged as the global leader in SPS research, accounting for more than one-third of all publications, supported by extensive governmental funding and strong institutional infrastructure. Japanese institutions continue to play a pioneering role, while European countries maintain substantial contributions through collaborative research networks. Ceramics International, Journal of Alloys and Compounds, and Journal of the European Ceramic Society constitute the principal publication venues. The bibliometric indicators provide valuable insights into the evolution, global distribution, and future directions of SPS research. 212 218 Mohammad Hossein Norouzi Department of Industrial Engineering Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova (PD) Italy Samira Savani Otto Schott Institute of Materials Research Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Löbdergraben 32, 07743 Jena Germany Mohammad Alipour Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, 34450 Sarıyer, Istanbul Türkiye malipour14@ku.edu.tr Spark plasma sintering Bibliometric analysis Scientometrics Materials science Powder metallurgy Advanced ceramics Vol 6 No 3 Paper 4.pdf [1] Y. Le Godec, S. Le Floch, Recent Developments of High-Pressure Spark Plasma Sintering: An Overview of Current Applications, Challenges and Future Directions, Materials (Basel). 16 (2023) 997. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16030997. ##[2] M. Tokita, Progress of Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) Method, Systems, Ceramics Applications and Industrialization, Ceramics. 4 (2021) 160–198. https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics4020014. ##[3] X.Y. Li, Z.H. Zhang, X.W. Cheng, G.J. Huo, S.Z. Zhang, Q. Song, The Development and Application of Spark Plasma Sintering Technique in Advanced Metal Structure Materials: A Review, Powder Metall. Met. Ceram. 60 (2021) 410–438. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11106-021-00254-w. ##[4] O. Guillon, J. Gonzalez-Julian, B. Dargatz, T. Kessel, G. Schierning, et al., Field-Assisted Sintering Technology/Spark Plasma Sintering: Mechanisms, Materials, and Technology Developments, Adv. Eng. Mater. 16 (2014) 830–849. https://doi.org/10.1002/adem.201300409. ##[5] M. Sakkaki, V. Pouyafar, R. Meshkabadi, M. Shahedi Asl, Fabrication, application, and phase formation rules in high-entropy alloys, J. Mater. Sci. 61 (2026) 19161–19209. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-026-12906-6. ##[6] A. Nisar, C. Zhang, B. Boesl, A. Agarwal, Unconventional Materials Processing Using Spark Plasma Sintering, Ceramics. 4 (2021) 20–39. https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics4010003. ##[7] W.R. Matizamhuka, Spark plasma sintering (SPS) - an advanced sintering technique for structural nanocomposite materials, J. South. African Inst. Min. Metall. 116 (2016) 1171–1180. https://doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/2016/v116n12a12. ##[8] P.C. Verma, S.K. Tiwari, A. Saurabh, A. Manoj, Recent Advances in High-Entropy Ceramics: Synthesis Methods, Properties, and Emerging Applications, Ceramics. 7 (2024) 1365–1389. https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics7040089. ##[9] J.-P. Monchoux, A. Couret, L. Durand, T. Voisin, Z. Trzaska, M. Thomas, Elaboration of Metallic Materials by SPS: Processing, Microstructures, Properties, and Shaping, Metals (Basel). 11 (2021) 322. https://doi.org/10.3390/met11020322. ##[10] N. Saheb, U. Hayat, S.F. Hassan, Recent Advances and Future Prospects in Spark Plasma Sintered Alumina Hybrid Nanocomposites, Nanomaterials. 9 (2019) 1607. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9111607. ##[11] J. Binner, M. Porter, B. Baker, J. Zou, V. Venkatachalam, et al., Selection, processing, properties and applications of ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composites, UHTCMCs – a review, Int. Mater. Rev. 65 (2020) 389–444. https://doi.org/10.1080/09506608.2019.1652006. ##[12] W. Xu, P. Lv, J. Li, J. Yang, L. Cao, J. Huang, Advances in Fabrication Technologies of Advanced Ceramics and High-Quality Development Trends in Catalytic Applications, Catalysts. 16 (2026) 79. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16010079. ##[13] S. Habibi Anganeh, V. Shahedifar, B. Tekyeh Marouf, Corrosion behavior and in-vitro bioactivity of Ti-based composites: Synergistic and competitive effects of ZrO2 and nHA ceramic reinforcements, Synth. Sinter. 6 (2026) 83–96. https://doi.org/10.53063/synsint.2026.62342. ##[14] W. Hassan, A.E. 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