Abstract
The debinding process and the relationship between the binder removal(%)and the sinterability of injection molded compacts were investigated. Two types of SUS316L powders having different particle sizes were used. The main results obtained were as follows.
1) The binder removal(%) of an injection molded compact was proportional to its specific surface area when debound under the same conditions in the temperature range where debinding was accomplished mainly by thermal decomposition.
2) The relative density of sintered compact increased with increasing the binder removal(%) when sintered at 1270°C. On the other hand, sintered at 1310°C, high density(>94%) was achieved even in the compacts of low binder removal.
3) The sintered structure of the compacts of very low binder removal(%) showed remarkable growth of crystal grains and residual pores, and many precipitates of carbide near the boundaries.
4) The desirable binder removal (%) in the debinding process was estimated at 90-94%, by considering sintering behaviors of the compacts.
