Effect of green density on subsequent densification and grain growth of nanophase SnO2 powder during isothermal sintering

The effect of green density on the subsequent densification and grain growth of nanophase SnO2 powder compacts during isothermal sintering has been investigated. Deagglomeration of the aggregates by applied pressure during compaction was proved to be crucial in subsequent densification and grain growth of nanophase SnO2 powder during sintering. A loose green compact with low coordination number exhibited rapid densification and grain growth in the initial sintering stage, while a dense green compact with high coordination number showed steady densification and very slow grain growth. The fine pores homogeneously dispersed in the dense green compact of the nanophase powder had a strong pinning effect on the grain boundary motion. (C) 1997 Acta Metallurgica Inc.