| Attribute | Sintering | Calcination |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Process of compacting and forming a solid mass by heat without melting | Thermal decomposition of a material at elevated temperatures |
| Primary Purpose | Increase strength and structural integrity of a material | Remove volatile substances and induce phase transitions |
| Temperature Range | Generally between 1000°C and 1600°C | Typically between 500°C and 1000°C |
| Materials Used | Metals, ceramics, polymers | Minerals, ores, and inorganic materials |
| Process Type | Solid-state process | Decomposition process |
| End Products | Dense, hard, and strong materials | Oxides, sintered products, calcined minerals |
| Applications | Manufacturing of ceramics, metal parts, and powders | Cement production, lime production, metallurgy |
| Energy Consumption | High due to high temperature requirements | Moderate, depends on the material and temperature |
| Reaction Atmosphere | Often in controlled atmospheres like vacuum or inert gas | Often in air or controlled atmospheres |
| Key Parameters | Temperature, pressure, time, and atmosphere | Temperature, time, and atmosphere |
Sintering compacts materials through heat without melting, while calcination decomposes materials thermally.