Abstract:Binder system is critical to the success of metal injection molding(MIM). A novel PEG-based binder for MIM was developed, which was made of high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polymer W, stearic acid(SA) and dioctyl phthalate (DOP). The components of binder have interactions with each other, so the binder have good compatibility. The thermal decomposition process of binderexhibits three stages during debinding. The binder could be debound by pyrolysis or solvent, and could easily be removed in a short time in ethanol without defects and evironmental concern. A lot of interconnected pores formed after solvent debinding, which is helpful to the escape of pyrolysis gases during subsequent thermal debinding or presintering.

Key words:   metal injection molding; binder; debinding