Fronteering the SDGs Binder

       

     Our binder system developed by μ-MIM® technology realised 100% material yield, yet we keep seeking a new binder that realises more SDGs in MIM production. This time we will introduce some potential binder system for future use.

 

Targeting binder type

 

 

     We use a mixture of plastic polymer and wax, called binder for MIM feedstock. Our original feedstock will be injection moulded in small and complicated green parts and the binder will be fully decomposed during the debinding and sintering process. Thus, our original binder works very hard in a very short time behind the production scenes. The binder in MIM production is required to have a high affinity to the functional moiety on the metal powder surface, thus polarised polymer is applicable. Our binder contains polyoxymethylene (POM) which is a polarised polymer. Here let us show a closer polarised polymer candidate to achieve SDGs.

 

     

Candidates

 

 

Fig.1 POM chemical formula

 

1.Polylactic resin

 

     It is well known as a biodegradable polymer for a long time. Polylactic resin is made from sweet cones and some of the manufacturers are successfully commercially producing. The ester moiety can be working as a functional moiety in the binder system.

 

Fig.2 Polylactic resin formula

 

2. Agarose

 

     The natural polymer, agar, can be a candidate since it is composed of polysaccharide and the water-soluble function draws renewed attention from MIM industry. Some MIM component manufacturers already deploy agarose base binder in their serial production. Up until now, we were not successful yet. However, another natural polymer from seaweed, algin acid can be our binder candidate.

We will keep seeking the new binder to achieve a higher level of SGDs through our μ-MIM® production.

 

     

Fig.3 Algin acid formula

 

COLUMN

 

 

   

     In Japan, we enjoy the new greens (Shinryoku in Japanese) on the trees in spring to early summer (between March to June). The word Shinryoku is a word used in Haiku (Japanese traditional poem) to express the season.

In this photo, you can see a beautiful contrast of the young green against the blue sky and the pagoda of a temple.

We hope you are enjoying the summer time and come to visit us in Japan when the pandemic is over.

 

   

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