Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 February 2011
Rapid densification of MgO in an rf plasma without sintering aids is demonstrated. The sintered densities of MgO are sensitive to the plasma composition and gas pressure. In general, specimens are sintered to higher densities in Ar/O2 and Ar/H2O plasmas than in pure Ar plasmas. This may be explained by the effects of plasma enthalpy and surface recombination of charged particles and of atomic species. Analyses show that the evolution of the microstructures of the sintered specimens remains similar, regardless of the plasma conditions. No substantial grain growth is observed.