Influence of Stearic Acid Concentration on the Processing of ZrO ₂ ‐Containing Feedstocks Suitable for Micropowder Injection Molding

Abstract

The influence of stearic acid concentration on the processability of polyethylene/wax‐microsized zirconia feedstocks was investigated systematically. Regarding dense and warpage‐free ceramic parts, the addition of stearic acid as a dispersant is crucial for feedstock preparation with at least 50 vol% solid loads. A stearic acid concentration of 2.2 mg/m 2 (referring to the fillers specific surface area) yields the best feedstock flow properties and homogeneity. Filling studies showed that feedstocks containing 55 vol% of submicrometer‐sized zirconia powder in a polyethylene–wax binder system with 2.2 mg/m 2 stearic acid as a dispersant can be processed by micropowder injection molding.