In this work, TiH2 feedstock using wax-based binder system was developed for micro powder injection molding. A powder loading for the TiH2 feedstock was determined to be 68 vol.% and viscosity of the feedstock showed pseudo-plastic flow behavior. An amount of residual carbon after debinding was sensitive to heating rate and gas species, and influenced largely the surface quality of final product after sintering. The TiC layer was formed on the surface of the sintered parts due to the reaction between Ti and the residual carbon. Through an additional wicking process following the thermal debinding, which extracts the residual binder through capillary action, the sound sintered Ti part was obtained without any TiC surface layer.

Keywords: Powder injection molding, Feedstock, TiH2 powder, Debindng atmosphere, Sintering.