Theoretical analysis of liquid-phase sintering: Pore filling theory

Based on the pore filling model and previous calculations, a new liquid-phase sintering theory has been developed for compacts containing isolated pores with size distribution. The relevance of the model has been critically examined in consideration of previous experimental and theoretical results. The developed pore filling theory considers both densification and grain growth during sintering, in contrast to the classical Kingery theory which does not take grain growth into account. The effects of such various parameters as pore size distribution, pore acid liquid volume fraction, dihedral and wetting angle, particle size (scale), entrapped gas, etc., can be predicted. The present theory appears to describe well the microstructural development during liquid-phase sintering in reflecting real phenomena. (C) 1998 Acta Metallurgica Inc.