Binder Optimization for the Production of Tungsten Feedstocks for PIM

摘要

Since the feedstock design is one of the most critical stages in the powder injection molding (PIM) process, a variety of binder formulations have been investigated to produce quality tungsten feedstocks. The present study describes binder optimization for the production of these feedstocks via a multi-faceted design of experiments. The powders used in the experiments were typical, as-received powders with small particle sizes. Experiments were performed to optimize the binder for each feedstock based on various methods including solids loading, mixture homogeneity, handling strength, moldability, and debinding. The experimental results display an interesting system of feedstock opportunities. The results of the experiments also reveal how different binder mixtures perform in the presence of tungsten, tungsten alloys, and tungsten compounds.