Abstract
Fundamental studies have been conducted to investigate the influence of SPS processing variables on densification behaviors for cryomilled nanostructured Al 5083 powders and the mechanical properties of the subsequent compacts. It has been found that: pressure-loading mode has a significant effect on mechanical properties and bonding between powders: in comparison with that loaded at room temperature, pressure loaded at target sintering temperature can enhance bonding between particles and thus improve the mechanical properties; surface activation at pores and other interfaces can help break up the oxide layers existing on particle surfaces and release absorbed gases; grain size as well as powder size play important roles in shrinkage of samples; pulse pattern shows an insignificant influence on the consolidation of SPS processed samples unless using a pulse pattern with on:off ratio less than one; the cryomilled powder is more easily consolidated than the atomized one.