Mixing of ceramic-binder system was investigated experimentally and theoretically for application to Ceramic Injection Molding. Polypropylene, stearic acid and paraffin wax were selected as the binder system, and silicone nitride fine powder was selected as the ceramic material. Single screw extruder was employed as the mixing equipment.
Theoretical analysis was performed to investigated the mixedness of mixture quantitatively. Results of the analysis predicted average residence time, average total strain, and average shear stress as a function of screw speed for mixtures of different volume fraction. Qualitative mixedness of mixture and characteristics of mixing were investigated by using SEM and EPMA. In addition, rheological properties of the mixture were investigated by using a capillary rheometer to examine possibility of injection molding.