Effects of the binder compositions on the homogeneity of ceramic injection molded compacts

In this study, the effects of different binder compositions on the homogeneity of injection molded ceramic compacts are discussed from the standpoint of the rheological properties of the feedstocks, density, density deviation, and flexural strength of the as-prepared compacts, and the microstructures of the as-prepared compacts, compacts after solvent debinding, and compacts after thermal debinding. Also the pore size distribution of the compact after thermal debinding was characterized to examine the distribution of the binders in the as-prepare compacts. The feedstock with 30% macromolecular binders attains the minimum power-law index n value at 160 °C, hence it is the most appropriate feedstock for injection molding. The optimal composition is feedstock B30, which is the most homogeneous at an injection temperature of 160 °C. The macromolecular binder-to-PW weight ratio of 3:7 allows best mixing of feedstock and more homogeneous binder distribution. B30 has the highest density, the lowest density deviation and the lowest deviations in flexural strength of the as-prepared compact. Compacts prepared with B30 have the most homogenous pore size distribution after thermal debinding, as determined from the sharp, narrow peaks on the pore size distribution curves.