ABSTRACT. Properties often change dramatically as the microstructure of powder compacts evolves during processing. The thermal conductivity of powder compacts during the initial stages of sintering, when necks are first formed between particles, was calculated using a model based on surface diffusion of vacancies to form necks and a numerical three-dimensional code to solve for the effective heat conduction between touching particles. The model's predictions are in good agreement with experimental observations. This model can be readily extended to calculate the evolution of dielectric and other properties.

This research was supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Structural Ceramics Division.

---