Preparation of optimal feedstock for low-pressure injection molding of Al/SiC nanocomposite

Abstract This study aims to prepare optimal feedstock for fabrication of Al/SiC nanocomposites by the low-pressure injection molding technique. For this purpose, micron-sized aluminum and nanosized SiC powders were mixed with different amounts of the binder consisting of 89 wt% paraffin wax, 9 wt% bees wax, and 2 wt% stearic acid. Rheometry analyses as well as the Weir model were utilized to determine the optimal feedstock with the desired rheological properties and high homogeneity. Considering powder to binder ratios, shear sensitivity, flow activation energy, and homogeneity within the rheometry analyses, the feedstock of 78 wt% powder loading is selected as the optimal sample for injection molding. Investigation of optimal feedstock by the scanning electron microscopy technique also verified the high homogeneity of this feedstock. In addition, it was observed that all of the feedstocks had thixotrop behavior.