Surface Functionalization Processes in Metal Injection Moulding

EuroPM2006

Abstract
In this study, one of the surface functionalization processes, nitriding, is applied to Titanium MIM parts. To investigate the effect of the specific surface on the nitriding state three types of specimens, with different thickness, were adopted to nitriding. The nitrogen content of nitrided samples was evaluated by weight increase. The nitrogen content of the specimens increased with an increase in the specific surface. Moreover, to clarify the effect of nitriding conditions on nitrogen content, the nitrogen partial pressure in the furnace was controlled. The nitrogen content of specimens nitriding under a higher nitrogen partial pressure was higher than that of specimens in lower pressure environment. Micro Vickers hardness of micro dumbbell specimen was higher than that of block specimen, because of large specific surface; the nitrogen content inside the micro dumbbell specimen is also higher than that of the block specimen.