Model of variation of the specific surface area during sintering

• Published in: Powder technology 1981-01, Vol.30 (1), p.21-29
• Main Authors: Jernot, J.P., Coster, M., Chermant, J.L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0032-5910; 1873-328X
• DOI: 10.1016/0032-5910(81)85023-1

The change in the specific surface area of several metallic powders has been investigated during the various stages of sintering. A simple mathematical model has been constructed to describe the results. The equations obtained relate the specific surface area of the material, the radius of the necks which are formed between particles and the mean coordination number of the particles. It is then possible using these equations to follow the change of either the specific surface area per unit volume or the specific surface area per unit weight during sintering. Two different cases have been considered: (i) where there is no densification, i.e. with transport of matter from the surface of the particles and (ii) where densification occurs, i.e. with transport of matter from the volume of the material. In the latter case the equation relating the specific surface area of the material to the total porosity has been derived. Good agreement is obtained between the experimental results and the various predicted curves.