Rheological Behavior of Carbon Nanotubes / Copper Feedstocks for Metal Injection Molding Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • Metal injection molding (MIM) technology is known for its ability of producing near net shape components. This study presents the results of flow behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced copper composites mixes. The solid loadings in the copper mixes were investigated in the ranges of 55-61 V% using a binder. Copper mixes and copper/MWCNTs were compounded using a Z-blade mixer for homogenous dispersion of solids in the binder. Results identified a mix containing 59 V% copper suitable for substitution of MWCNTs. The flow properties were measured using a capillary rheometer in the shear rate range expected to occur during metal injection molding. An increasing trend in viscosity of the copper mixes with powder loading was noted. Copper/MWCNTs composite mixes showed viscosity more than 1000 Pa.s perhaps due to addition of MWCNTs and increasing trend in viscosity of copper/MWECNTs was recorded. The results of flow data showed that all copper composite mix containing up to 10 Vol.% MWCNTs were successfully injection molding and test samples were produced.

publication date

  • 2011

number of pages

  • 5

start page

  • 5335

end page

  • 5340

volume

  • 403-408