Rheological Investigation of ZK60 Magnesium Alloy Feedstock for Metal Injection Moulding Using Palm Stearin Based Binder System

Abstract:

This paper investigates the characteristic important to metal injection moulding (MIM) process via rheological behavior of MIM feedstock. A gas atomized spherical ZK60 magnesium (Mg) alloy powder and the binder of 60wt.% palm stearin (PS) + 40wt.% low density polyethylene (LDPE) were used in this investigation. Prior to mixing process, critical powder volume percentage (CPVP) was determined and subsequently four different feedstocks with powder loading of 62, 64, 66 and 68vol.% were prepared. The properties of the feedstocks were then analyzed rheologically. Here, the flow behavior index n, the flow activation energy E and the mold ability index αSTV of the Mg alloy MIM feedstocks were determined. Results show that feedstock with 64% powder loading has the best rheological properties and therefore it is considered to be the best for the injection moulding process.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 44-47)
• Pages: 4126-4130
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.44-47.4126
• Online since: December 2010
• Authors: Mohd Ruzi Harun, N. Muhamad, Abu Bakar Sulong, Nor Hafiez Mohamad Nor, Mohd Halim Irwan Ibrahim
• Keywords: Critical Powder Loading, Magnesium Alloy, Metal Injection Molding (MIM), Rheological Property

References

[1] Loh, N.H., Tor, S.B., Khor K. A, in: Production of Metal Matrix Composite Part by Powder Injection Moulding, J. of Materials Processing Technology Vol. 108 (2001), pp.398-407.

DOI: 10.1016/s0924-0136(00)00855-4

[2] Aggarwal, G., Park, J.S., Smid, I., in: Development of Niobium Powder Injection Moulding: Part 1. Feedstock and Injection Moulding, Int. J. of Refractory Metals & Hard Materials Vol. 24, (2006), pp.253-262.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2005.06.003

[3] Li, Y., Liujin, Li., Khalil, K. A, in: Effect of Powder Loading on Metal Injection Moulding Stainless Steel, J. of Materials Processing Technology Vol. 183 (2007), pp.432-439.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2006.10.039

[4] Hezhou, Y., Xing, Y.L., Hangpin, H., in: Fabrication of metal matrix composites by metal injection moulding – A review, J. of Materials Processing Tecnology Vol. 200 (2008), pp.12-24.

[5] Norbert, H., Martin, W, in: Looking to the Future: Magnesium Powder Injection moulding, Powder Injection Moulding International Vol. 2 (2008), pp.63-65.

[6] Iriany, Rheological Study of Metal Injection Moulding feedstock containing palm stearine, PhD Thesis. FKEJ, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (2002).

[7] German, R. M, and Bose, A: Injection Moulding of Metals and Ceramics, MPIF, Princeton, NJ. (1997).

[8] Huang, B., Liang, S., Qu, X., The Rheology of Metal Injection Moulding. J. of Materials Processing Technology Vol. 137, (2003), pp.132-137.

DOI: 10.1016/s0924-0136(02)01100-7

[9] Muhamad, N., Ismail, M.H., Mohamad Nor, N.H., Mohd Ihsan, A.K.A., Sahari, J., in: Importance of rheological behavior in metal injection moulding for prediction of injected part, ICAST, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (2000).

[10] Agote, I., Odriozola, A., Gutierrez, M., Santamaria, A., Quintanilla, J., Coupele, P., Soares, J., 2001. Rheological Study of Waste Porcelain Feedstocks for Injection Moulding, J. of European Ceramic Society 21, 2843-2853.

DOI: 10.1016/s0955-2219(01)00210-2