Abstract:
A powder processing technique is here presented. The process consists in a single short impulse (5–40 ms) of electric current (with current densities greater than 108 A/m2) combined with mechanical pressure and allows for nearly complete to complete densification of powders (>90% of theoretical density) with energy inputs from 1 to 4.5 kJ/g. The fundamental process parameter known as SEI is analyzed and is correlated with other known electro-discharge sintering techniques which present analogous values. An experimental equation correlating SEI and densities is proposed. Theoretical physical considerations on the amplification of mechanical and electrical energies during the process are made to explain the sintering process and the experimental evidence. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.