First direct 3D visualisation of microstructural evolutions during sintering through X-ray computed microtomoaraphy

X-ray computed microtomography (XCMT) has been applied to ceramic samples of different rnaterials to visualise. for the first time at this scale, real 3D rnicrostructural evolutions during sintering. Using this technique. it has been possible to follow the whole sintering process of the same grains set. Two materials have been studied: a glass powder heat treated at 700 degreesC and a crystallised lithium borate (Li6Gd(BO3)(3)) powder heat treated at 720 degreesC. XCMT measurements have been done after different sintefing times. For each material. a sub-volume was individualised and localised oil the successive recordings and it 3D images numerically reconstructed. Description of the three-dimensional rnicrostructures evolution is proposed. From the 3D experimental data, quantitative,evolutions of parameters such as porosity and neck size are presented for the glass sample. Possibilities offered by this technique to study complex sintering processes. as for lithium borate, are illustrated. (C) 2004 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.