Abstract
Hydroxyapatite is a bioactive material. However, Hydroxyapatite in medical application is limited by its poor mechanical properties. Titanium alloys are biocompatible materials with high specific strength and high corrosion resistance. This combination can successfully be used in biomedical applications. The mixing process is a critical stage in the metal injection molding process because it determines the quality of the metal injection product. The homogeneity of the feedstock depends on the mixing parameters used during the mixing process. An experiment was conducted using Ti6Al4V and hydroxyapatite powder as feedstock at a mixing ratio of 60:40 wt%. This feedstock was mixed with a mixture of polyethylene and palm stearin as the binder. The mixing parameters used in this study were the mixing speed (10 and 30 rpm) and the mixing temperature (130°C and 150°C) at a powder loading of 67%, as determined by the critical powder volume percentage experiment data (69.5%). Increases in the mixing speed and mixing temperature reduced the mixing time to achieve homogeneity. The combined feedstock achieved the highest density at a mixing speed of 30 rpm and a mixing temperature of 150°C.
Highlights
Metal injection molding (MIM) is a combination of injection molding and powder metallurgical processes [1]
Mixing is a vital stage that determines the homogeneity of feedstock quality in the MIM process
Feedstock have a considerable influence on the quality of products through MIM method. a homogenous feedstock will reduce some of defects such as porosity and cracks
Summary
Metal injection molding (MIM) is a combination of injection molding and powder metallurgical processes [1]. The MIM process has four stages: powder and binder mixing, injection molding, debinding, and sintering as shown on the Fig.. Mixing is a vital stage that determines the homogeneity of feedstock quality in the MIM process. The unique properties of both materials can be suitably combined for medical applications. A homogenous feedstock will reduce some of defects such as porosity and cracks. Component of binder can be categorized into two part; a binder system on injection molding process is designed based on several functions such as backbone, surfactant and lubricant. Palm stearin as natural material will reduce the effects of environmental pollution. Palm stearin as natural material will reduce the effects of environmental pollution. the use of palm stearin as a binder can reduce cost incurred in buying commercial binder
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
