Some issues in sintering science and technology

Various sintering theories based on two-particle model are no longer valid. Apart from this the basic properties and data of materials are also much m ore accurate in the present date, thus casting doubt in the previous theori es. The role of electronic structure of additives in activating sintering p rocesses has been convincingly put forth. In the field of sintering practic e still a gap is apparent with the theory. Various techno-economic factors including the nature of starting powders have, of late, given good impetus in tackling this challenge. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V All rights reserv ed.