In this study, environmentally convenient highly metal powder filled feedstocks intended for powder injection molding is presented. The composition of 60 vol % 316L stainless steel gas atomized powder feedstocks containing semicrystalline waxes: acrawax or carnauba wax and paraffin wax, combined with polyethylene glycol and modifier, was optimized to provide defect-free parts. Rheological as well as thermogravimetric analyses supported with scanning electron microscopy and metallography were employed to set up optimum conditions for molding, debinding and sintering. The performance of the novel feedstock was compared with currently available polyolefines-based materials, and results showed an efficiency enhancement due to the substantially lower (about 100 °C) mixing and molding temperatures as well as a reduction of debinding and sintering times at the simultaneous achievement of better mechanical properties in terms of elongation and tensile strength, in comparison to the mass production feedstock.

Centre of Polymer Systems University Institute Tomas Bata University in Zlin nam T G Masaryka 5555 760 01 Zlin Czech Republic

Department of Production Engineering Faculty of Technology Tomas Bata University in Zlin Vavreckova 275 760 01 Zlin Czech Republic

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Recycling industrial waste polymer as a binder system for ceramic injection molding feedstock