Debinding with Supercritical Fluids (SCF)

Faster than Traditional Methods

Debinding is a key step for successful metal injection molding (MIM). Conventional debinding processes (thermal, solvent, acid, water) have disadvantages including:

• long processing times
• dangerous acids, and are
• harmful to the environment

The use of supercritical fluid reduces debinding time and eliminates hazardous acids and solvents.

• No Solvents
• No Acids
• No Heat
• No Water

Reduce debinding times up to 90% with no VOC emissions!

What is Supercritical Fluid?

A supercritical CO₂ has both gas-like and liquid-like qualities. These dual characteristics provide the ideal conditions to quickly remove paraffin primary binders, with no VOC emission problems. By controlling the temperature and pressure of CO₂, it simulates the properties of organic solvents but with improved debinding capabilities

Because of much lower viscosities supercritical fluids will quickly and easily flow between the metal particles, causing the paraffin to readily diffuse and dissolve. Higher viscosity liquids require much longer debinding times.

Click here to download the brochure explaining how to use Supercritical Fluids in the debinding process.

Applied Separations wants to help you learn more about this exciting technology that will change the way you work.

What is Supercritical CO₂
Supercritical fluids have both gas-like and liquid-like qualities, and it is this dual characteristic that provides the ideal conditions for extracting compounds.

Components of a MIM Debinding System Employing Supercritical Fluids
This paper, presented at PowderMet 2006, describes the components of a supercritical debinding system and its operation.

Applications
We have compiled a comprehensive list of SCF applications available for free. Click here to view the list of the SCF applications you can put to use immediately in your lab.