sintering

Temperature-induced coalescence and densification of porous solid particles below the melting points of their major components.
Notes:
  1. The term was originally coined for the process by which fly ash produced in combustion of fuels such as coal is baked at a very high temperature. The sintered material is used in the manufacture of cinder blocks and other ceramic products.
  2. Modified from previous definition. The definition proposed here is recommended as being more explicit.
Source:
PAC, 2007, 79, 1801 (Definitions of terms relating to the structure and processing of sols, gels, networks, and inorganic-organic hybrid materials (IUPAC Recommendations 2007)) on page 1825