The objective of this research is to understand the influence of particle size distribution in powdered materials on subsequent coarsening, densification and grain growth during solid-state sintering. The program involves experimental testing, modeling and computer simulation of the sintering process. Stereological analyses of the microstructures resulting from the various processing steps reveal effects of particle size distribution and controlled additions of impurities. The emphasis is along two related paths, the effects of particle size distribution on coarsening and the mechanisms of grain growth inhibition as influenced by dopant concentration and type. Material systems under study include tungsten-nickel-iron, zinc oxide-barium oxide, and aluminum oxide doped with magnesium oxide.
