Genesis of Nanosized Particles, Grains and Interfaces in the Rate-Controlled Processes of Synthesis and Sintering of Ceramics

Genesis of nanostructure is the key feature inherent in preparation of nanocrystalline materials using powder methods. Structure of particles originates from synthesis conditions. Density of defects such as twins, domains, stacking faults, core-and-shells as well as particle aggregates and agglomerates, strongly depends on process parameters. These features of particles define behavior of powder during consolidation and affect on the structure of monolithic sample. Such heredity has been revealed in the past in coarse particles and micronsize-grained bulk materials [1]. Decreasing of particle or grain sizes to the nanoscale leads a material to increasing of its structural sensitivity. Today we enable to make powders of the same particle size distribution and shape. But different processes of synthesis commonly give different defect structure, and therefore, demonstrate different sintering behavior and properties of sintered bodies. The most important achievement of today’s techniques of synthesis and consolidation of nanoparticles is flexible control over properties [2]. To illustrate this from experiments, the present review is compiled.