Effect of Particle Size Distribution on the Sintering of Alumina

The effect of particle size distribution on the sintering of Al 2 O 3 was investigated. Samples could be sintered to high relative density (∼99%), small average grain size (1 μm), and no growth of exaggerated grains using powders with either broad or narrow particle size distribution. However, the broad particle size distribution provided the advantage that powder compacts could be prepared with higher green density and, therefore, samples could be densified with less total shrinkage.