Injection moulding of porous MAX phase Ti3SiC2 without using space-holder

Abstract

Ti3SiC2 is one of the most studied MAX phase due to its unique combination of metallic and ceramic like properties. In this work, Powder Injection Moulding (PIM) is proposed as a new processing route to manufacture porous MAX phase Ti3SiC2, without the need of a space holder. The main goal of this work is to broaden MAX phase application fields through powder injection moulding technology. In depth characterization of all process stages has been done to control porosity in the final parts. Self-synthesized powders were mixed with a multicomponent binder for the production of sustainable feedstocks. The binder selection was carried out considering the design of a process with the reduction of the carbon footprint. In this sense, the binder consists of a combination of water soluble and low CO2 emission polymers. Feedstocks produced exhibit good properties for injection moulding. Critical solid loading (52 vol%) and a set of debinding debinding conditions has been determined for a two-step process without producing any defects in the samples. In addition, sintering parameters have been adjusted to successfully achieve porous MAX phase samples.