Sintering Theory and Practice

Although sintering is an essential process in the manufacture ofceramics and certain metals, as well as several other industrialoperations, until now, no single book has treated both thebackground theory and the practical application of this complex andoften delicate procedure. In Sintering Theory and Practice, leadingresearcher and materials engineer Randall M. German presents acomprehensive treatment of this subject that will be of great useto manufacturers and scientists alike. This practical guide to sintering considers the fact that while thebonding process improves strength and other engineering propertiesof the compacted material, inappropriate methods of control maylead to cracking, distortion, and other defects. It provides aworking knowledge of sintering, and shows how to avoid problemswhile accounting for variables such as particle size, maximumtemperature, time at that temperature, and other problems that maycause changes in processing. The book describes the fundamental atomic events that govern thetransformation from particles to solid, covers all forms of thesintering process, and provides a summary of many actual productioncycles. Building from the ground up, it begins with definitions andprogresses to measurement techniques, easing the transition,especially for students, into advanced topics such as single-phasesolid-state sintering, microstructure changes, the complications ofmixed particles, and pressure-assisted sintering. German draws onsome six thousand references to provide a coherent and lucidtreatment of the subject, making scientific principles andpractical applications accessible to both students andprofessionals. In the process, he also points out and avoids thepitfalls found in various competing theories, concepts, andmathematical disputes within the field. A unique opportunity to discover what sintering is all about--bothin theory and in practice What is sintering? We see the end product of this thermal processall around us--in manufact