On the isothermal sintering behavior and transparency of glass powders

The sintering behavior of powder compacts of a boro - alumino - silicate glass was investigated under isothermal condition. In particular, the effect of sintering temperature, time and atmosphere on densification is systematically evaluated. Our sintering tests demonstrate that the densification can be significantly enhanced with increasing temperature, but relatively high translucency can be obtained in the temperature range in which there is a low crystallization tendency. In addition, a vacuum atmosphere is essential to sintering rate and ultimate density, thus leading to higher translucency than that in air atmosphere. Furthermore, the increase in densification accounts for the improvement of vickers hardness. These results are very relevant for the design of transparent glasses with powder sintering method.

Automated summary

The study reveals that increasing sintering temperature can significantly enhance densification, while relatively high translucency can be achieved in conditions with low crystallization tendency. A vacuum atmosphere is beneficial for improving sintering rate and ultimate density, resulting in higher translucency than in an air atmosphere.