Abstract
In order to study sintering of powders with special reference to the effect of powder characteristics, eight kinds of a-Fe2O3 powders were characterized by powder densities and particle sizes. Techniques used are SEM and mercury porosimetry, and different methods for particle size determination were used. The aggregation states were evaluated by the Hausner ratio (tap density/apparent density), the compaction ratio (pressed density/apparent density), sedimentation density, and pore structure of pressed bodies. Marked differences were seen between the powders containing hard aggregated particles and those composed of soft agglomerates. Hard aggregates produce larger pores and wider pore size distributions in compacts, while soft agglomerates give uniform pore size distributions of compacts.
