Advanced Materials Technologies Pte, Ltd.

D Dunstan Peiris

Jian G Zhang

Metal injection-molded green bodies (2) are formed from a granulated feedstock comprising metal powder and a binder comprising: a) 15-25 volume % paraffin wax b) 20-30 volume % microcrystalline wax c) 45-60 volume % polyethylene. The paraffin wax has two melting regions around 45.degree. C. and 63.degree. C. and the microcrystalline wax exhibits four melting regions in the range 62.degree. C. and 144.degree. C. By raising the temperature of the oven in a controlled manner, first the paraffin wax and then the microcrystalline wax melts and is vapourised and entrained in a flow of carrier gas which flows over supporting trays (5), as indicated by the horizontal arrows (a). The requirement for wicking powder is eliminated by the staged removal of the wax and the polyethylene can subsequently be removed at a higher temperature by thermal depolymerisation in the same apparatus.

Growing community of inventors

Singapore, Singapore

D Dunstan Peiris