Thermal removal of multicomponent binder from ceramic injection mouldings

Thermal removal of polymer binder containing low-molecular-weight components from ceramic injection mouldings was studied. The effect of the shape and size of bodies on the process of binder removal was examined. Evaporation of low-molecular-weight components represented the most important process at the beginning of binder removal. It was found that a bed of activated carbon speed up removal of low-molecular-weight components. The mechanism of binder removal in a bed of activated carbon was described. Binder redistribution and evolution of porosity in the body during binder removal was investigated. A high rate of binder removal resulted in non-uniform binder distribution in the body. The formation of defects due to non-uniform binder removal was described and requirements for their elimination were proposed.