Physical, chemical and kinetic factors on ceramic sintering.

This paper reviews the physical, chemical and kinetic factors during sintering of ceramics. The influences of powder characteristics, powder compaction, dopant addition, sintering atmosphere, and firing schedules on densification and microstructural development are discussed. Ideal attributes of the starting powder and desired microstructures of green compacts are identified. Effects of powder agglomeration and specimen inhomogeneities on the resultant microstructure are addressed. Certain powder conditioning and forming techniques can lead to enhanced densification. Densification and microstructural development are usually affected by the phase and defect equilibria at the sintering temperature. Furthermore, the kinetics of chemical reactions and phase transformations also have a significant influence on sintering.