KINETIC LAWS GOVERNING THE PARTICLE-SIZE DISTRIBUTION CHANGES OF METALLIC OXIDE POWDERS ANNEALED WITH A REACTING GAS

Metallic oxide powders are used as ceramic precursors, catalysts and c atalyst supports. At high temperature, a reactive gaseous atmosphere p romotes grain growth. This article is a review of the kinetic laws gov erning the changes in the particle size distribution and the various a veraged parameters of the metallic oxide powders annealed in the above conditions. The theoretical works and experimental results related to the two main phenomena, i.e. Ostwald ripening and coalescence, are re viewed.