Effects of Atmosphere on Sintering of Alumina

The effect of ambient atmosphere on the sintering of oxides was studied ever since the first experiments on sintering of aluminium oxide spheres were married out Several effects of atmosphere on sintering have been found to be important. These depend on the nature of interaction, whether physical or chemical, of the active species present in the atmosphere with the solid undergoing sintering. Atmosphere control of point defect concentration is touched upon. Atmospheric effects on technical ceramics are briefly reviewed. Sintering behaviour of alumina in gaseous atmospheres is analysed on the basis of such reactions. Microstructure development during atmosphere resintering is discussed.