Hot‐Pressing of Alumina Powders at Low Temperatures

A better insight into the initial stages of densification during the hot‐pressing of ceramics can be obtained by performing the experiments at low temperatures. The parameters which have been examined are pressure, temperature, and the particle size of the alumina used. The results obtained preclude plastic flow as the predominant mechanism responsible for the large increases in density observed initially. Particle rearrangement by boundary sliding is suggested as the process responsible for the initial increase in compact density.