Surface modification of ceramic powders by titanate coupling agent for injection molding using partially water soluble binder system

In the conventional process of ceramic injection molding (CIM), wax-based binders could only be removed by thermal or organic solvent debinding. Recently, water solvent debinding, with its high efficiency and environmental acceptability, has appeared as a good alternative. In this study, zirconia powder modified by titanate coupling agent was applied in partially water soluble binder system for injection molding. In contrast to previous researches about titanate modification mainly focusing on rheological behavior and modification mechanism, investigations on the sintering behavior and densification process were also made in this study. Experimental results reveal that titanate modified powder exhibits densification temperature almost 100 °C lower than that required for the pure, original powder, giving rise to finer microstructure and therefore hopefully improved mechanically properties. It suggests a novel modification route to fabricate injection molded ceramic components using partially water soluble binder system.