Density gradients in ceramic pellets measured by computed tomography

Abstract Density gradients are of fundamental importance in ceramic processing and computed tomography (CT) can provide accurate measurements of density profiles in sintered and unsintered ceramic parts. As a demonstration of this potential, the density gradients in a pellet pressed from an alumina powder were measured by CT scanning. In order to detect small density gradients within the pellet, CT images having high density resolution were measured and corrected for beam-hardening effects. The resulting data are discussed relative to the transmission of forces through the powder mass during the pelletizing process.