Applications of wax emulsion for ceramics

In the production of ceramics, the binder plays a decisive role in maintaining the strength and compressibility of the embryonic shape of the ceramic product.

In ceramic injection molding (Ceramic Injection Molding, CIM), the binder has two basic functions: 1, in the injection molding stage, as a carrier, can be uniformly mixed with the powder, after heating can make the powder has good fluidity, so that it can be smoothly injection molding without defects; 2, the binder can play a role in the injection molding and degreasing period. The selection and preparation of binder is the core and key of CIM technology, and every breakthrough and progress of CIM process is accompanied by the birth of new binder system.

Clay has the unique characteristics of adhesion, water swelling and plasticity, and is often used as a binder for ceramic products. However, due to the high content of impurities in natural clay, impurities remain in the glass phase after high-temperature sintering, which can lead to a decrease in the strength and pressure resistance of ceramic products. The ideal binder should be conducive to improving the loading of the powder, so that the feed has a high strength and elastic modulus at room temperature, and good fluidity at the mixing and injection temperature.

Water-based wax emulsions, which are organic polymer binders, are gradually being used in the production of ceramics. Emulsified waxes are non-toxic, non-volatile, good dispersion, uniform film spreading, good lubrication, good fluidity and permeability, adhesion, no metal impurities, etc. The application of wax emulsion for ceramics can not only improve the fluidity of the powder and the demoulding of the injected parts, but also improve the denseness of the injected parts and the strength of the billets.

Paraffin wax has low molecular weight, low viscosity, good wettability with powder, and no chemical reaction with each other, simple degreasing process, minimal residue after degreasing, no environmental pollution.