Coarsening in Sintering: Grain Shape Distribution, Grain Size Distribution, and Grain Growth Kinetics in Solid-Pore Systems

TLDR: Sintering occurs when packed particles are heated to a temperature where there is sufficient atomic motion to grow bonds between the particles as mentioned in this paper, and the conditions that induce sintering depend on the material, its melting temperature, particle size, and a host of processing variables.

Abstract: Sintering occurs when packed particles are heated to a temperature where there is sufficient atomic motion to grow bonds between the particles The conditions that induce sintering depend on the material, its melting temperature, particle size, and a host of processing variables It is common for sintering to produce a dimensional change, typically shrinkage, where the powder compact densifies, leading to significant strengthening Microstructure coarsening is inherent to sintering, most evident as grain growth, but it is common for pore growth to occur as density increases During coarsening, the grain structure converges to a self-similar character seen in both the grain shape distribution and grain size distribution Coarsening behavior during sintering conforms to classic grain growth kinetics, modified to reflect the evolving microstructure These modifications involve the grain boundary coverage due to pores, liquid films, or second phases and the altered grain boundary mobility due to these phases