Processing of MIM feedstocks based on Inconel 718 powder and partially water-soluble binder varying in PEG molecular weight

Abstract

This paper deals with a complex characterization of metal injection molding (MIM) feedstocks based on Inconel 718 powder and partially water-soluble binder systems. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a well-known component in design of feedstock formulations due to its low viscosity, solubility in the water, eco-friendly nature and commercial availability. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the influence of PEG molecular weight on overall MIM process chain including its eventual impact on final mechanical properties. For this purpose, 7 feedstocks with a fixed amount of powder loading (59 vol%) and the binder composition differing in molecular weight of PEG (in a range from 1500 to 20,000 g/mol) were investigated. The PEG molecular weight was found to have the considerable impact on the feedstock moldability and debinding kinetics. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.