Recently sintering of metal powders has been investigated with abnormal glow discharge serving as an energetic source. The powder compact positioned on the cathode is heated by bombardment of flow of ions and fast neutrals. If the material to be processed is either the cathode or is in contact with it, the following effects will take place [1]: (I) momentum transfer from the ion to the material, giving rise to surface defects; (II) local heat generation by the absorption of the ion's kinetic energy; (II) sputtering of surface atoms; (IV) physical adsorption of ions making possible surface reactions and (V) ion implantation in the processed material. It can be therefore expected that some differences may occur when compared with conventional sintering mechanisms. In conventional sintering heat is transferred evenly to the sintered body by radiation and convention, in the plasma it is produced locally by the collision of the ions with its surface.
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