The characterisation of ceramic injection moulding (CIM) pastes by capillary rheometry

A series of 4 ceramic injection moulding (CIM) pastes were prepared using different mixing methodologies and characterised by capillary rheometry. The flow behaviour was characterised using the Benbow - Bridgwater and Herschel - Bulkley equations. Two mixing routes were used, a Z Blade mixer and a high shear twin roll mill adapted from the Viscous Polymer Processing (VPP) route. The twin roll mill mixing route gave more efficient mixing and more reliable paste rheology than the Z Blade mixing route, however the sintering behaviour for extrudates formed by Z Blade mixing was superior to those formed by twin roll milling. Initial mechanical testing has recorded extrudate strengths of over 350 MPa.