Thermoplastic Natural Rubber (TPNR) as a Backbone Binder for Metal Injection Molding Process

Thermoplastic natural rubbers (TPNR) blends consist of thermoplastics, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), alloyed with natural rubber (NR) with different thermoplastic to NR ratios. The soft grade TPNR is produced by blends with compositions richer in rubber while the harder grades can contain up to about 30% NR. This study investigate the influence of new binder system containning of TPNR on injection parameter, density of injected molded specimen and changes during solvent extraction. Results shows that TPNR plays an important role as a good binder system and shortens the solvent extraction process.