Sintering or frittage is the process of compacting and forming a solid mass of material by pressure or heat without melting it to the point of liquefaction. Sintering happens as part of a manufacturing process used with metals, ceramics, plastics, and other materials. The nanoparticles in the sintered material diffuse across the boundaries of the particles, fusing the particles together and creating a solid piece.
Clinker nodules produced by sintering
Cross section of a sintering tool and the sintered part
Iron powder
A ceramic is any of the various hard, brittle, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant materials made by shaping and then firing an inorganic, nonmetallic material, such as clay, at a high temperature. Common examples are earthenware, porcelain, and brick.
Silicon nitride rocket thruster. Left: Mounted in test stand. Right: Being tested with H2/O2 propellants.
Earliest known ceramics are the Gravettian figurines that date to 29,000–25,000 BC.
Corded-Ware culture pottery from 2500 BC
Cutting disks made of silicon carbide