Solid state sintering of nanostructured ceramics

Sintering is the one of the key processes in the manufacture of ceramics from particulates to produce a near net shape product with desired structures, properties, dimensions, and tolerances. The development of nanotechnology, the extensive application of science and engineering of materials at nanoscale level, had opened new possibilities and add more challenges in the sintering process. One of the major challenges is to apply the long established theory of sintering in the manufacture of nanoceramics and nanocomposites from loose nanoparticles. The present paper deals with the solid state sintering of nanoceramics and nanocomposites. Discussion is limited to the process and its related phenomena in the consolidation of nanoparticles compact to produce bulk ceramics or composites with novel nanostructure and properties. High volume fraction of interfacial region or surface had been found to be the prime issues in the sintering nanostructure. Producing cohesive bulk material of required geometry and tolerance with very high density and fine structure had been identified as the key challenge in achieving the fully dense nanostructure in the final product. The mechanism of solid state sintering was summarized to understand the relationship between controllable process parameters, sintering process phenomena, and the development of sound nanostructure in the bulk sintered products.