Abstract—In this study, the flow behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced copper matrix feedstocks is presented. The solid loadings in the copper feedstock were investigated in the ranges of 55-61 Vol. % using binder. Pure copper (Cu) and Cu/CNTs feedstocks were compounded using internal mixer machine for homogenous dispersion of solids in the binder. The flow behavior was measured using a capillary rheometer in the shear rate range expected to occur during powder injection molding. An acceptable increasing trend in viscosity of the copper feedstock with powder loading was recorded. Cu/CNTs composite feedstocks showed viscosity more than 1000 Pa.s which is most probably due to the addition of CNTs and increasing trend in viscosity of Cu/CNTs was noted as well. The results also identified that the feedstock containing 59 vol. % copper was most suitable for substitution of CNTs in Cu feedstock.

Index Terms—Powder injection molding; Compounding; Feedstock, Binder; Viscosity; Carbon Nanotubes; PIM.

A. S. Muhsan, F. Ahmad, and M. R. Raza are with the Mechanical Engineering Department, Universiti Technologi PETRONAS, Malaysia.

Cite: Ali Samer Muhsan, Faiz Ahmad, Norani Muti Mohamed, and M. Rafi Raza , "Flow Behavior of Cu/CNTs Feedstocks for Powder Injection Molding," International Journal of Applied Physics and Mathematics  vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 199-202, 2011.