Analytic method for the minimum time for binder removal from three-dimensional porous green bodies

An analytical expression was derived to predict the heating profile that minimizes the cycle time for the thermal removal of binder from porous green ceramic bodies. The analytical equation was based upon the solution to a three-dimensional convective transport equation that describes flow in porous media arising from the thermal decomposition of binder. The solution to the transport problem was then combined with an algorithm derived from variational calculus. The analytical expression described the time for binder removal in terms of the body dimensions, isotropic permeability, volume fraction of binder, and threshold pressure within the green body.