plasma sintering
Quick Summary
Plasma sintering is a method for consolidating powdered materials, such as metals or ceramics, by heating them below their melting point. This process welds the small particles together, improving the material's mechanical and physical properties by reducing surface energy.1
In plasma sintering, the material is placed in an ionized gas. Energetic ionized particles release significant energy onto the surface of the ceramic being sintered, leading to extremely high sintering rates. This rapid heating is advantageous because it helps powders retain their sinterability, which can be lost during slower conventional heating methods. However, plasma sintering is not suitable for complex shapes.2
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