Solid-State Sintering

Solid-state sintering is the bonding and densification of particles by the application of heat below the melting point of a material. During sintering, the free surface area of the compact decreases, and this is normally accompanied by an increase in the density. As such, it represents an essential part of powder processing as a high density is usually required for optimal material's properties. This article explains the driving force for the different stages of sintering along with the mass transport mechanisms that result in densification. Beyond this, the impact of heating rates, pressures, electric fields and mechanical constraints on densification are discussed and an overview of common sintering techniques is given.