Abstract: A method of binder removal from a green body before sintering or the like wherein the binder is constituted of a polymeric material or mixture which is degradable by thermo-oxidation and the green body is initially heated to a temperature where the binder reaches an energy level above the activation energy of the binder, as a result of which exothermic degradation reactions are initiated at the binder-atmosphere interface. The rate of the exothermic reaction is controlled by the rate of supply of thermal energy and oxygen to the reaction site as well as the rate of evacuation of the heat of reaction generated during the thermal oxidation. Substantially all of the binder is thus removed from the green body which can then be sintered in accordance with the practices of the prior art.