Effect of size and homogeneity of rigid inclusions on the sintering of composites

The effect of volume fraction, size and homogeneity of rigid non-sintering inclusions on the densification behavior of the matrix is investigated using discrete element simulations at the particle length scale. It is found that the densification rate of the matrix decreases with increasing volume fraction of inclusions and with decreasing size of inclusions. For a given volume fraction and size of inclusions, improving dispersion of the inclusions results in a stronger retardation of densification. (C) 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.