The Sintering of Monodisperse TiO2

The emergence of new techniques to produce uniform-size, spherical particles offers opportunities to quantitatively study sintering kinetics. The ability to control the average particle size and to form uniformly packed green microstructures enhances the applicability of many conventional experimental studies, such as isothermal and constant heating rate dilatometry and surface area behavior.Monodisperse, spherical TiO₂ powders, synthesized by controlled hydrolysis of titanium alkoxides, were employed as a model experimental system. Densification kinetics were determined by isothermal and constant heating rate dilatometry using heat treated (crystallized) and amorphous powders. Microstructural evolution was followed by SEM observations for isothermal conditions of 1060, 1100 and 1160°C and was correlated to the sintering process.