Electrical resistivity of green powder compacts

Different parameters affect the electrical resistivity of green specimens. This paper presents the effect of the particle size distribution, the compa cting pressure, and the oxidation of the powder on the electrical resistivi ty of green specimens fabricated with different powders (Fe, Zn, Ni, and Cu ). The results show that the electrical resistivity increases when the comp acting pressure decreases, the particle size is reduced and the oxidation i ncreases. It indicates that the electrical resistivity is sensitive to powd er surface characteristics and particle interfaces in green compacts. Elect rical resistivity may therefore be used to study particle interfaces, evalu ate green powder compact characteristics, and monitor powder oxidation. (C) 2001 IoM Communications Ltd.