Sintering Science: Evolution of Ideas, Advances, Current Challenges, and New Trends.
I. From Natural Philosophy to Sintering Physics

Abstract

The paper overviews experimental and theoretical studies focusing on the sintering of cermet and ceramic bodies conducted and published from 1922 to 1967. Special attention is paid to the generation and evolution of new ideas, elements of the physical theory of sintering, and intentions to use the entire wealth of knowledge in solid-state physics and physical mechanics available at a given period of time. Analysis of accumulated knowledge on sintering phenomena and evaluation of actual contribution by individual researchers to this process may promote further improvement of the physical theory of sintering and its advance to applied problems of powder materials. The key role of theoretical physicists, Frenkel, Herring, and Lifshits, in resolving the most complex problems of sintering science is emphasized.