LIQUID PHASE SINTERING OF CERAMICS.

Abstract

To circumvent the poor flow properties of fine powders the elimination of large pores by liquid flow and shape accommodation is discussed for zero and nonzero degree wetting conditions. Since the small average grain size of ceramic powders causes rapid grain coarsening during the early stages of sintering, relations between grain growth and shape accommodation are considered. Shrinkage of Si//3N//4 in the presence of small amounts of liquid phase is discussed on the basis of these considerations.