Advances in cold sintering : Improving energy consumption and unlocking new potential in component manufacturing

Ceramics are traditionally sintered at high temperatures (~80% melting temperature (Tm)). There are numerous incentives to reduce processing temperature: the reduction in processing energy; integration of polymeric and non-noble metals; greater control of microstructure and final component geometries. ‘Cold sintering’ has been developed as a novel method of densification which uses a transient liquid phase, pressure and heat to achieve dense ceramics. This review explores the process of cold sintering and its potential to densify various ceramic materials and components at low temperatures (<300°C), primarily describing recent results at The University of Sheffield, UK.