Kompaktáció

Kompaktíció is a term used in various fields, notably in geology and materials science, to describe the process of reducing the volume of a substance by applying pressure. In geology, it refers to the process by which sediments are compressed under the weight of overlying material. This compression expels water and air from the pore spaces between sediment grains, leading to a decrease in volume and an increase in density. Over geological timescales, compaction plays a significant role in the formation of sedimentary rocks.

In materials science and engineering, kompaktíció describes the process of densifying powdered materials. This is often achieved through mechanical pressing or sintering. For instance, in powder metallurgy, metal powders are compacted into a desired shape before being heated to fuse the particles. Similarly, in ceramics, powders are pressed into molds to form green compacts, which are then fired to achieve their final density and strength. The degree of kompaktíció directly influences the mechanical properties of the final product, such as its hardness, strength, and porosity. The term can also be applied more broadly to any situation where material is squeezed or compressed to occupy less space.