Rheological properties of feedstocks and the structure of injection moulders for sintering composite tool materials based on mmcs

New functional tool composite materials with a metallic matrix and reinforced with hard carbide phases have been developed. The effect of the polymer binder has been determined for the used moulding a mixture of hard carbide powders based on WC, TiC, (W, Ti)C, doped with VC, NbC and/or TaC and powders of a metallic matrix in the form of Co and/or Ni. The relevant type of polymer binder was selected, its optimum volume fraction was determined, the rheological properties of the polymer-powder slip were investigated along with thermal debinding conditions, i.e., atmosphere, time and temperature, as well as solvent debinding conditions, i.e., solving time and temperature and sintering conditions were matched. The structure and mechanical properties of the produced tool materials were examined, especially their resistance to abrasive wear, hardness and bending strength.