Factors influencing particle agglomeration during solid-state sintering

Discrete element method (DEM) is used to study the factors affecting agglomeration in three-dimensional copper particle systems during solid-state sintering. A new parameter is proposed to characterize agglomeration. The effects of a series of factors are studied, including particle size, size distribution, inter-particle tangential viscosity, temperature, initial density and initial distribution of particles on agglomeration. We find that the systems with smaller particles, broader particle size distribution, smaller viscosity, higher sintering temperature and smaller initial density have stronger particle agglomeration and different distributions of particles induce different agglomerations. This study should be very useful for understanding the phenomenon of agglomeration and the micro-structural evolution during sintering and guiding sintering routes to avoid detrimental agglomeration.