Sintering Fundamentals: Basics of Solid State Grain Growth

This lecture covers the fundamental concepts of sintering, including the transformation of compacted powder into a solid body, the influence of process variables on microstructure evolution, and the mechanisms of diffusion in ceramics. It discusses the control of parameters like temperature, pressure, and particle size, as well as the driving forces and kinetics of sintering. The presentation delves into solid-state diffusion, grain boundary diffusion, and surface diffusion, emphasizing the impact of defects and curvature on matter transport. Additionally, it explores vapor pressure effects on curved surfaces and the phenomenon of ambipolar diffusion in ceramic materials.