X-ray computed tomography and mercury porosimetry for evaluation of density evolution and porosity distribution

X-ray computed tomography (CT) and mercury porosimetry were combined to con nect density gradients and the distribution of open porosity in a sintered compact. CT clearly showed that open porosity follows the initial distribut ion of low-density zones, Mercury porosimetry detected three distinct level s of porosity. Microstructural examination correlated the porosity level wi th the coordination of (i) two to three or (ii) multiple grains around pore s. This combination of techniques provides a novel tool for the study of po re and density-gradient evolution during sintering.