densified

Densified refers to a state in which mass per unit volume, or density, has been increased relative to a reference. This typically happens by reducing porosity or by packing material more tightly. Densification can be achieved through mechanical compaction, heat-assisted processes, or combinations of pressure and temperature, often applied to powders, fibrous assemblies, or porous structures to produce a solid with enhanced strength, stiffness, or other properties.

In materials science and engineering, densification is a deliberate processing step that reduces porosity and can improve properties such as strength, hardness, and thermal conductivity. Common methods include pressing powders, sintering at elevated temperatures, hot pressing, hot isostatic pressing, and spark plasma sintering. The resulting material is typically denser, with lower permeability, though residual stresses and brittleness may occur.

In geology and sedimentology, densification describes burial-driven compaction of sediments. Over geological timescales, overlying rock and sediment compress subsurface layers, reducing pore space, increasing bulk density, and altering porosity and permeability. This process influences fluid flow, diagenesis, and rock strength.

In urban planning, densification refers to increasing the density of development or population within a given area. Strategies include infill development, taller buildings, and zoning changes designed to make better use of existing infrastructure and reduce sprawl. Densification aims to support sustainable mobility, housing, and services, but can raise concerns about infrastructure capacity, livability, and green space.

Applications span densified wood and biomass fuels, which use compression to raise density and performance; and densified powders used in pharmaceuticals and food processing to improve flow, compaction, and uniformity.