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Abstract
Powder–binder processing technologies are commonly used to form near finished shape parts for high performance metals and ceramics. For successful powder–binder processing, it is necessary to estimate the critical powder loading to optimise the powder loading of powder–binder mixture. A new method for determination of critical powder loading by a pycnometer is proposed. The principles of the new method are expounded. The critical powder loading is distinguished from the maximum powder loading. The measuring experiments for metal powder are carried out, and the new method is validated by comparing with the existing method. It is revealed that the new method is simple, convenient, fast and accurate. The new method is applied to determine the critical powder loading of ceramic powders in both micro and nano sizes. It is found that the critical powder loading of the nano powder is lower than that of the micro powder, and the addition of stearic acid to paraffin wax binder can improve the critical powder loading.