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Abstract
A theory is presented for supersolidus liquid phase sintering. It is assumed that densification is by a viscous flow process involving the formation of liquid films along the interfaces in polycrystalline, prealloyed particles. The rigidity of the particle is determined by the percolation threshold where structural integrity is lost and the particle fragments into a viscous solid–liquid mixture. The overall process is modelled with dimensionless parameters that involve temperature and time, as well as various microstructural parameters including grain size, particle size, and liquid film thickness. The results illustrate the interplay of the parameters and lead to suggestions for optimal practice. PM/0553