ABSTRACT
The densification of a particulate ceramic compact is technically referred to as sintering. Sintering is essentially a removal of the pores between the starting particles (accompanied by shrinkage of the component), combined with growth together and strong bonding between adjacent particles.1-5 The following criteria must be met before sintering can occur:
1. A mechanism for material transport must be present. 2. A source of energy to activate and sustain this material transport must be present.
