Centrifugal sintering of ceramics

We have proposed a new centrifugal sintering technology, which consists of heating and simultaneous high-speed rotation of materials to allow pressing without the need for pressurizing media. The enhancement of shrinkage by centrifugal force has been empirically demonstrated for liquid-phase sintering of SiO2. Theoretical prediction of sintering behavior is also attempted based on the modified Kingery model, in which the forces promoting sintering are assumed to be capillary force and centrifugal force. Gradual change in the centrifugal force along the centrifugal direction is taken into account in the modified model. The theoretical model accurately describes the enhancement of shrinkage resulting from centrifugal force, and quantitatively agrees with the experimental results.