EFFECT OF PARTICLE-SIZE DISTRIBUTION ON THE MICROSTRUCTURAL EVOLUTIONIN THE INTERMEDIATE STAGE OF SINTERING

The effect of particle-size distribution on microstructural evolution in the intermediate stage of sintering of powder compacts was investig ated, The evolution of pore channels was dominated by particle-size di stribution but independent of sintering temperature. Moreover, a powde r compact with a fine particle and uniform size distribution could pro long the intermediate stage of sintering, which in turn effectively in hibited grain growth. The mechanisms of evolution and pinch off of the pore channels of the powder compact with different particle-size dist ributions were discussed.