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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Models of pressure-sintering and consolidation (such as that found in the HIP process) often assume a uniform spherical powder. However, it is known that use of mixtures, containing particles of differing composition and/or size, alters the initial powder packing and subseguent HIPing behavior. We have experimentally investigated these effects using the simplest form of mixture; a bi-modal powder with various size ratios and particle fractions. Packing experiments confirm the existence of “optimum” packing fractions for which the density is maximized over both monosized and the as-received (continuously distributed) powders. During HIPing these powder mixes remain relatively more dense than monosize packings. The consolidation of composite powder mixtures as well as microstructural evolution during HIP are also discussed. Results are compared with those predicted by modeling.