Which of the following statements regarding liquid phase sintering is/are correct?
Statement-I: An appreciable amount of liquid phase must be present
Statement-II: There must be appreciable solubility of the solid in the liquid
Statement-III: Complete wetting of the solid by the liquid is required
Show Hint
Liquid phase sintering enhances densification through capillary action and diffusion.
Concept:
Liquid phase sintering involves densification of powder compact in presence of a liquid phase that enhances particle rearrangement and diffusion.
Step 1: Statement-I analysis.
Only a small amount of liquid phase is sufficient; not necessarily "appreciable". Hence statement-I is not strictly required.
Step 2: Statement-II analysis.
Some solubility is necessary for solution-reprecipitation mechanism → TRUE.
Step 3: Statement-III analysis.
Complete wetting is NOT always required; partial wetting can still allow sintering → FALSE.
Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{\text{Statement-I and Statement-II only}}
\]