The Influence of Single Based Binder of Palm Stearin in HAP Feedstock on Rheological Properties Used for Ceramic Injection Moulding (CIM)

Abstract

Development of binder system based on natural resources is one the main interest among researchers in ceramic injection moulding (CIM) with the main aim of processibility of complex biomedical implant. In this paper, the influence of single binder comprised of palm stearin mixed with HAP powder was investigated. The powder and binder mixture, generally known as feedstock was analyzed for its flowability in order to get some insight for injection moulding purposes. Two different mixing temperatures were investigated for preparing the feedstock; 160°C and 70°C. The feedstocks viscosity was then evaluated using a capillary rheometer at temperature range from 70°C to 90°C. The results clearly showed that the use of 100% palm stearin was promising in providing required pseudoplastic flow for injection molding. The injection molding process can be carried out at relatively low temperature in comparison with the conventional binder systems used.