Modelling of binder removal from a (fibre+powder) composite pre-form

Abstract A diffusion-controlled ‘shrinking core’ model was established to simulate the removal process of organic binder in a fibre+powder composite pre-form of plate geometry with binder removal essentially in one direction. The influences of compact shrinkage and fibre orientation are manifested via the effective particle volume fraction, the monomer diffusion coefficient, and hence polymer decomposition rate. Two shrinkage modes and three types of fibre orientation were considered. Simulation results were in agreement with experimental ones. It is shown that compact shrinkage leads to slower binder removal. The effect of fibres depends on their aligned orientation to the removal direction and a higher fibre volume fraction has greater effect on the burnout kinetics.