ABSTRACT
As described in the former chapters, explosive compaction is a unique method for processing materials. The grain refinement usually associated with shock processing may improve the mechanical properties such as strength and hardness. Owing to lattice strains induced during shock processing, some metallic and ceramic powder materials become highly active, thereby lowering their sintering temperature [1-3]. By explosive compaction, it is possible to make bulk compacts with densities higher than 90% theoretical density, which can be sintered with low shrinkage. Of course, it is also possible to fabricate strong compacts directly through explosive compaction. It is believed that the drastic changes in the physical conditions, such as pressure and temperature, occurring during explosive compaction, enable one to produce and recover materials which are stable at high pressure and high temperature conditions. Thus, the technique of explosive compaction is attractive for exploring and producing new high performance materials.
