Physics of Ceramic Powder Injection Molding Technology

The article examines the currently existing general theoretical approaches to various stages of the process of powder injection molding of ceramics. From the point of view of physical chemistry, ceramics, as a technological object, are suspensions. Therefore, the basis of the consideration is a discussion of mutually related problems of rheology and various forms of interaction of dispersed particles both among themselves and with a continuous dispersion medium. Based on this discussion, the physical and chemical processes occurring at various stages of the technological process of producing ceramic products by powder molding are considered. The main object of consideration, the example of which illustrates by the physicochemical approach to the processes occurring in the technological operations, is aluminum oxide (corundum). However, the issues discussed apply to any ceramics. In conclusion, problems are formulated, the solution of which determines the prospects for the development of this area for both powder molding technology and 3D printing.