Development of a Polyethylene Glycol/Polymethyl Methacrylate-Based Binder System for a Borosilicate Glass Filler
Martin Zürn1,2, Annika Schrage1, Steffen Antusch1
1Institute for Applied Materials, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 28, 2024
Summary
This study explores using powder injection molding for dense borosilicate glass parts. Researchers developed a suitable feedstock and optimized the process to achieve nearly theoretical glass densities.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Ceramics Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Powder injection molding (PIM) is a versatile mass production technique for complex metal and ceramic parts.
- Extending PIM to glass materials presents challenges in feedstock development and achieving high densities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt the powder injection molding process chain for borosilicate glass.
- To develop a high-solid-load glass feedstock with reliable molding properties.
- To achieve high-density sintered glass components.
Main Methods:
- Investigated a feedstock composition using borosilicate glass powder.
- Evaluated a binder system comprising polyethylene glycol and polymethylmethacrylate with stearic acid surfactant.
- Conducted rheological characterization of the feedstock.
- Analyzed the influence of feedstock components and process steps (compounding, molding, debinding, sintering) on the final part.
Main Results:
- Successfully developed a suitable feedstock for glass injection molding.
- Achieved sintered glass parts with densities around 99% of the theoretical value.
- Demonstrated the critical role of binder composition and rheology.
Conclusions:
- Powder injection molding is a viable method for producing high-density borosilicate glass parts.
- Optimized feedstock formulation and process control are essential for successful glass PIM.
- The developed process enables cost-effective mass production of complex glass components.
