Ceramic sintering
Ceramic sintering is part of the firing process used in the manufacture of ceramics and other ceramic objects. Sintering and vitrification (which requires higher temperatures) are the two main mechanisms behind the strength and stability of ceramics. Sintered ceramic objects are made of substances such as glass, alumina, zirconium, silica, magnesia, lime, beryllium oxide, and ferric oxide . Some ceramic raw materials have a lower affinity for water and a lower plasticity index than clay, requiring organic additives in the stages prior to sintering.