Injection molding of micro-porous titanium alloy with space holder technique

Engin G., Aydemir B., GÜLSOY H. Ö.

RARE METALS, vol.30, no.6, pp.565-571, 2011 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 30 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s12598-011-0430-2
  • Journal Name: RARE METALS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.565-571
  • Keywords: powder injection molding, titanium powder, porous metal, sintering, MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES, POWDER
  • Marmara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The powder space holder (PSH) and powder injection molding (PIM) methods have an industrial competitive advantage because they are capable of the net-shape production of micro-sized porous parts. In this study, micro-porous Ti6Al4V alloy (Ti64) parts were produced by the PSH-PIM process. Ti64 alloy powder and spherical polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particles were used as a space holder material. After molding, binder debinding was performed by thermal method under inert gas. Debinded samples were sintered at 1250A degrees C for 60 min in a vacuum (10(-4) Pa). Metallographic studies were conducted to determine densification and the corresponding microstructural changes. The surface of sintered samples was examined by SEM. The compressive stress and elastic modulus of the micro-porous Ti64 samples were determined. The effects of fraction of PMMA on the properties of sintered micro-porous Ti64 alloy samples were investigated. It was shown that the fraction of PMMA could be controlled to affect the properties of the Ti alloy.