Solvent debinding variables on leaching Fat, Oil and Grease (FOG) derivatives of green part stainless steel SS316L metal injection moulding

Abstract

Sewage fat or Fat Oil Grease (FOG) derivatives for binder's component in the stainless steel SS316L feedstock being injected and undergo several test debinding variables. The influences of temperature, time and solvents type has been tested with binder formulation of 60:40 between Polypropylene (PP) and FOG derivatives besides the 60% powder loading of stainless steel powder. Experimental results of the quickest and higher percentage of FOG derivatives leach out from green part is being analysed. The green part will undergo two different solvent debinding (Heptane and Hexane) with three different solvent temperature. Debinding times was set for 10 hours and every 1, 3, 6 and 10 hours the green part will undergo weight measurement for monitoring the weight loss percentage of green part. It seems that both solvent indicates good diffusion and dilution for extracting the FOG derivatives out from the green part in producing brown part where no sign of part crack or swelling during and after solvent debinding. Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) for element detection and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis also being perform which indicates the good pores build up. Results found that the best solvent for removing FOG derivatives is hexane with 60oC being the choice of solvent temperature.