Debinding control of metal hollow spheres by IR-absorption analysis

Manufacturing of Metal Hollow Spheres (MHS) needs a debinding step to remove the organic template/binder material. Cracking products of the pyrolysis like hydrocarbons may harm the properties of the metal matrix due to formation of carbides, nitrides or oxides. To obtain enhanced control of the debinding step, the interactions between atmosphere and unalloyed steel MHS in particular at higher temperatures were studied. FTIR analysis of the debinding atmosphere was carried out at varying temperatures and atmospheres. Based on time resolved concentrations, the concentration of molecular species was detected. It was found, that beyond the cracking of the polymers at temperatures greater than 500 deg C, under H2 atmosphere chemical decarburization due to formation of e.g. CH4 and CO occurs. Entnommen aus <a_href="http://www.fiz-technik.de/db/b_tema.htm" target="_blank">TEMA</a>