The Development of Pressure Sintering Maps

The several mechanisms which contribute to the densification of a powder compact during pressure sintering are described, and equations are listed for the rates of densification that each, acting alone, would yield. The equations are used to construct pressure sintering diagrams. These identify the dominant mechanism, for a given temperature, pressure and density. They further display contours indicating the rate of densification and the time to Teach a certain density. Their use in the design and interpretation of experiments is discussed, and their application to practical problems is illustrated by a case study of the pressure sintering of ice.