Evaluation of Wear Behaviour of Metal Injection Moulded Nickel Based Metal Matrix Composite

Abstract

Metal injection moulding (MIM) is a near-net shape manufacturing technology for producing intricate parts, cost-effectively. MIM comprises combined techniques of plastic injection moulding and powder metallurgy. The present study focused on the development of the binder and fabrication of defect free MIM component. A wax-based binder system consisting of paraffin wax (PW), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene glycol (PEG-600) and stearic acid was established for MIM of NiCrSiB (70% Wt.) + Cr3C2-NiCr (30% Wt.) nickel based metal matrix composite (NMMC) powder. The feedstock was characterised through rheological properties at different temperatures. Injection temperature was determined from the rheological investigation of the feedstock having the 56% powder loading and 44% binder by volume. Sintering process was carried out with the temperature cycle in the range of 1250–1300 ∘C under hydrogen purged atmosphere. The MIM components showed good and acceptable shrinkage in linear dimensions. The mechanical properties and wear behaviour of NMMC was studied using a pin-on-disc apparatus with alumina disc.Tests were performed under dry sliding conditions at room temperature and elevated temperatures of 200 and 400 ∘C. Results shows that wear rate is maximum at 400 ∘C for 40 N and lowest at room temperature for 10 N. Further wear mechanism was analysed using scanning electron microscope (SEM).