Coarsening models incorporating both diffusion geometry and volume fraction of particles

Abstract

Six models for steady-state particle coarsening are presented in order to explain the shapes of experimentally obtained particle size distribution histograms. The models are developed for coarsening process controlled by volume diffusion compelled by reduction of interfacial area between particles and matrix. The particle size distributions and coarsening rates are presented for each model. The basic t 1 3 rate law is maintained in all models. The values of full-width at half maximum of the size distributions from the models are compared with those from experiments. Almost all the published distribution histograms are explained by two of the proposed six models, which indicates volume fraction effect on coarsening. Application of the other models must await acquisition of the size distribution histograms in a variety of systems.