Sintering Process

This lecture covers the theory and mechanisms of sintering, including driving forces, mass transport mechanisms, and the stages of sintering. It explains the role of surface energy, diffusion, and plastic deformation in the sintering process, as well as the evolution of microstructures. The instructor discusses the forces driving sintering, such as excess energy at solid-vapor interfaces and thermodynamic forces. Various mechanisms of mass transport, including diffusion and plastic deformation, are explored. The lecture also delves into the origin of mass carriers, gradients, and the closure of pores during sintering. Examples and models are used to illustrate the concepts, such as Coble's model and the impact of grain boundaries on densification.