Foreword

Abstract

, et al.), Ostwald ripening of a high-volume fraction dispersed phase (by Voorhees, et al.), identification of interphase boundary precipitates using electron microscopy (by B.C. Muddle), and carbide transformations in wear-resistant stellite alloys (P. J. McGinn, et al.). Two additional papers focus on activated sintering--the retardation of grain boundary mobility by inert particles (by P. E. Zovas, et al.), and the influence of gases on first-stage sintering (by M. Krehl, et al.).Four presentations at the symposium will be published elsewhere. Titles and authors of these are listed below; abstracts can be found in the The significant scientific and technological interest in this symposium is reflected in the many requests for reprints of the presentations. These papers are being published as a group both to respond to these inquiries as well as to serve as a compilation of recent (but by no means complete) work in this important area.The papers were refereed, consistent with Metallurgical Transactions policy. We appreciate the assistance of the key readers and reviewers for their efforts, as well as the help of Edwin Ruh for facilitating publication of these proceedings. The symposium was sponsored by the Refractory Metals Committee of AIME.