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An important issue in obtaining a good casting surface without defects in contact with the liquid metal is the use of protective coatings on the surface of the moulding sand forming the mould cavity. Protective coatings are based on highly refractory materials that are finely ground and protect the moulding sand from thermal stresses from the molten metal. An important aspect of obtaining the appropriate properties of the protective coatings used is the method of application. This article presents the results of a quality study of the protective coatings obtained, which were applied by dip and painting with a brush. Four different coatings were applied to mould sand samples prepared on grain matrices with different average grain sizes. During the tests, the viscosity of the protective coatings, their gas-forming capacity, sieve analyses of the grain matrix used, the permeability of the moulding sand with the protective coating and the abrasiveness and adhesion of the protective coatings were determined. The quality of the coating obtained was found to depend on its type, the size of the grain matrix used in the moulding sand and the method of application. The experiments carried out indicate that a comparative study of the available protective coatings can indicate the best solution, taking into account the grain matrix used and the method of application adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the ability to apply the test method using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) together with EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) analysis to assess the quality of fresh chromite sand delivered by various suppliers to Huta Małapanew Sp. z o.o. The research was initiated due to the non-cyclical occurrence of surface casting defects, i.e. pitted skin and burn-on of chromite moulding sand for cast steel casting. The scope of studies comprised the quality assessment of sixteen chromite sand batches delivered for six months by two suppliers. The analysis of the results obtained was used to describe components of the tested chromite sand batches and develop criteria for their quality assessment, considering the chemical composition of chromite grains and the amount of impurities in the form of silica sand and the binder particles. Moreover, clear suggestions were developed concerning the ability to use the given chromite sand batch as the base of moulding sand made in Alphaset technology in Huta Małapanew Sp. z o.o.

This paper deals with the issue of using moulding sands with a new two-component binder: furfuryl-resole resin – PCL polycaprolactone for the production of ductile iron heavy castings. The previous laboratory studies showed the possibility of using biodegradable materials as binders or parts of binders’ compositions for foundry moulding and core sands. The research proved that addition of new biodegradable PCL in the amount of 5% to the furfuryl-resole resin does not cause significant changes in moulding sand’s properties. The article presents research related to the production of ductile iron castings with the use of moulds with a modified composition, i.e. sands with furfuryl resole resin with and without PCL. Mechanical properties and microstructure of the casting surface layer at the metal/ mould interface are presented. The obtained test results indicate that the use of a biodegradable additive for making foundry moulds from moulding sand with a two-component binder does not deteriorate the properties of ductile iron castings.

Due to the observed increase in the amount of waste in landfills, there has been an increase in the demand for products made of biomaterials and the composition of biomaterials with petroleum-derived materials. The problem of waste disposal/management also applies to waste from the casting production process with the use of disposable casting moulds made with the use of organic binders (resins), as well as residues from the process of regeneration of moulding sands. A perspective solution is to add a biodegradable component to the moulding/core sand. The authors proposed the use of polycaprolactone (PCL), a polymer from the group of aliphatic polyesters, as an additive to a casting resin commonly used in practice. As part of this study, the effect of PCL addition on the (bio) degradation of dust obtained after the process of mechanical regeneration of moulding sands with organic binders was determined. The (bio) degradation process was studied in the environment reflecting the actual environmental conditions. As part of the article, dust samples before and after the duration of the (bio) degradation process were tested for weight loss by thermogravimetry (TG) and for losses on ignition (LOI).

The method of the ongoing assessment of the reclaim quality originating from the mechanical reclamation is described in this paper. In the process, the triboelectric system of measuring amounts of dust in the dedusting part of a reclamation device was applied. Based on the online measurements of the amounts of dust generated in the spent sand-reclamation process and the post-process determinations of the ignition losses and granular structures of the removed dust, the proper work parameters of the experimental reclaimer were selected. The allowable value of the ignition losses as well as the main fraction of the reclaimed matrix being similar to fresh sand was assumed as the main criteria of the positive assessment of the process. Within the presented investigations, a periodically operating device for rotor-mechanical reclamation was developed. The possibility of changing the intensity and time of the reclamation treatment as well as the triboelectric system of the dust-amount measuring were applied in this device. Tests were performed for the spent moulding sand with phenol-resol resin Carbophen 5692 hardened by CO2. This sand represents the moulding sand group with a less harmful influence on the surroundings for which the recovery of the quartz matrix utilising the reclamation requires stricter control of the parameters of the reclamation process and reclaim quality.

This study considered the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy of Nigeria and investigated the effective application of foundry technology to proffer a sustainable solution to the problem. Domestication of production of motorcycle components, being a significant means of transportation that is required for the development of any society was considered. Aluminium scraps from a waste dump and Belle and Oyun natural moulding sands in Kwara State, Nigeria, which have been previously recommended for non-ferrous casting in previous studies were considered and used for casting of motorcycle/tricycle parts (centre stand and brake pedal) using AFS guidelines. The scraps’ chemical compositions were analysed. Thereafter, some mechanical properties with the microstructure of the aluminium casts and that of commercially obtained imported types were examined using appropriate ASTM standards. Cast aluminium alloy produced using scrap had no casting defects and had some mechanical properties comparable to those available on the markets (imported). Thus, effective usage of naturally available moulding sands in Nigeria for foundry applications would help to proffer sustainable solutions to the nation’s economic problem as a result of the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The technique of differential impedance analysis (DIA) has shown promising results in identifying appropriate model orders when applied to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements of a given medium. However, even with this method it remains challenging to reliably deduce general material properties of the medium from impedance data alone. Here, we discuss a number of possible extensions and modifications of the technique and, in particular, an extension of the process from mere model order identification to a complete modelling approach. In addition, the combination of DIA and machine learning methods to predict material properties is explored. Our results were validated with impedance measurements between 20 Hz and 1 MHz of moulding sand containing varying amounts of quartz and chromite sand as well as bentonite and carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current scenario the demand for reduction of silica sand usage in making sand moulds in the metal casting industry is increasing day by day. The non-silica alternatives will help the foundries to not only get in line with new regulations but also protect the foundry workers and minimizing the compliance costs. The non-silica alternatives such as clay, bio-waste, bagasse-ash and nano-SiO2 in different proportions are added to silica sand to prepare moulding sand. The effect of these alternatives on mould sand properties such as permeability, green shear strength and green compression strength are studied. The aluminium alloy 6061 castings were fabricated in the sand mould prepared using these non- silica alternatives. Effect of these materials on the grain size, surface roughness and mechanical properties of aluminium alloy 6061 castings were studied. Out of all, the silica sand/15%bagasse-ash combination was found more suitable for producing aluminium alloy 6061 castings with high yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and low surface roughness values. The ranking of combinations based low surface roughness and high strength values of aluminium alloy 6061 castings is, bagasse-ash > bio-waste > nano-SiO2 > clay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the issue of using moulding sands with a new two-component binder: furfuryl-resole resin - PCL polycaprolactone for the production of ductile iron heavy castings. The previous laboratory studies showed the possibility of using biodegradable materials as binders or parts of binders' compositions for foundry moulding and core sands. The research proved that addition of new biodegradable PCL in the amount of 5% to the furfuryl-resole resin does not cause significant changes in moulding sand's properties. The article presents research related to the production of ductile iron castings with the use of moulds with a modified composition, i.e. sands with furfuryl resole resin with and without PCL. Mechanical properties and microstructure of the casting surface layer at the metal/mould interface are presented. The obtained test results indicate that the use of a biodegradable additive for making foundry moulds from moulding sand with a two-component binder does not deteriorate the properties of ductile iron castings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The method of the ongoing assessment of the reclaim quality originating from the mechanical reclamation is described in this paper. In the process, the triboelectric system of measuring amounts of dust in the dedusting part of a reclamation device was applied. Based on the online measurements of the amounts of dust generated in the spent sand-reclamation process and the post-process determinations of the ignition losses and granular structures of the removed dust, the proper work parameters of the experimental reclaimer were selected. The allowable value of the ignition losses as well as the main fraction of the reclaimed matrix being similar to fresh sand was assumed as the main criteria of the positive assessment of the process. Within the presented investigations, a periodically operating device for rotormechanical reclamation was developed. The possibility of changing the intensity and time of the reclamation treatment as well as the triboelectric system of the dust-amount measuring were applied in this device. Tests were performed for the spent moulding sand with phenol-resol resin Carbophen 5692 hardened by CO2. This sand represents the moulding sand group with a less harmful influence on the surroundings for which the recovery of the quartz matrix utilising the reclamation requires stricter control of the parameters of the reclamation process and reclaim quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the observed increase in the amount of waste in landfills, there has been an increase in the demand for products made of biomaterials and the composition of biomaterials with petroleum-derived materials. The problem of waste disposal/management also applies to waste from the casting production process with the use of disposable casting moulds made with the use of organic binders (resins), as well as residues from the process of regeneration of moulding sands. A perspective solution is to add a biodegradable component to the moulding/core sand. The authors proposed the use of polycaprolactone (PCL), a polymer from the group of aliphatic polyesters, as an additive to a casting resin commonly used in practice. As part of this study, the effect of PCL addition on the (bio) degradation of dust obtained after the process of mechanical regeneration of moulding sands with organic binders was determined. The (bio) degradation process was studied in the environment reflecting the actual environmental conditions. As part of the article, dust samples before and after the duration of the (bio) degradation process were tested for weight loss by thermogravimetry (TG) and for losses on ignition (LOI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study considered the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy of Nigeria and investigated the effective application of foundry technology to proffer a sustainable solution to the problem. Domestication of production of motorcycle components, being a significant means of transportation that is required for the development of any society was considered. Aluminium scraps from a waste dump and Belle and Oyun natural moulding sands in Kwara State, Nigeria, which have been previously recommended for non-ferrous casting in previous studies were considered and used for casting of motorcycle/tricycle parts (centre stand and brake pedal) using AFS guidelines. The scraps' chemical compositions were analysed. Thereafter, some mechanical properties with the microstructure of the aluminium casts and that of commercially obtained imported types were examined using appropriate ASTM standards. Cast aluminium alloy produced using scrap had no casting defects and had some mechanical properties comparable to those available on the markets (imported). Thus, effective usage of naturally available moulding sands in Nigeria for foundry applications would help to proffer sustainable solutions to the nation's economic problem as a result of the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ablation casting technology consists in pouring castings in single-use moulds made from the mixture of sand and water-soluble binder. After pouring the mould with liquid metal the mould is destructed (washed out) using a stream of cooling medium, which in this case is water. The process takes place while the casting is still solidifying. The following paper focuses on testing the influence of the modified ablation casting of aluminum alloy on casts properties produced in moulds with hydrated sodium silicate binder. The authors showed that the best kind of moulding sands for Al alloy casting will be those hardened with physical factors – through dehydration. The analysis of literature data and own research have shown that the moulding sand with hydrated sodium silicate hardened by dehydration is characterized by sufficient strength properties for the modified ablation casting of Al alloys. In the paper the use of microwave hardened moulding sands has been proposed. The moulds were prepared in the matrix specially designed for this technology. Two castings from the AlSi7Mg alloy were made; one by traditional gravity casting and the other by gravity casting using ablation. The conducted casts tests showed that the casting made in modified ablation casting technology characterizes by higher mechanical properties than the casting made in traditional casting technology. In both experimental castings the directional solidification was observed, however in casting made by ablation casting, dimensions of dendrites in the structure at appropriate levels were smaller.

The paper presents the results of laboratory tests into the effects of moisture and the content of two types of bentonite on dielectric properties of moulding sand. The use of electromagnetic waves in foundry industry is becoming more and more popular, which provides to some extent alternatives to conventional drying methods. Experimental studies published so far have shown the validity of using microwaves for drying classic moulding sands with bentonite. However, these studies lack data on the effect of moisture or bentonite content in moulding sand on the real component ε' or imaginary component ε'' of the relative complex electrical permittivity. The presented results may become in the future the basis for the evaluation of the composition of moulding sands, taking into account the phenomena occurring under the influence of electromagnetic field, which directly translates into the quality of the castings made and may constitute an attempt to develop a mathematical model of electric properties of moulding sands.

In recent years, the demand for products made of biodegradable or partially biodegradable materials has been increasing. This is mainly due to the ever-increasing amount of waste in landfills, but also to the problem of post-production waste management. This problem also concerns waste from the casting process of sands made on the basis of furfuryl resin, as well as residues from the regeneration process of these sands. The article presents the issues related to the methodology of research on the biodegradation process both in the natural environment and methods conducted in laboratory conditions. The preliminary results of the research on the biodegradation process in the aquatic environment, to which the dusts from mechanical regeneration of moulding sand were subjected, indicate the directions of further research and work in the field of selection of components of moulding sand with biodegradable properties. These tests should be carried out primarily in terms of determining the minimum and maximum amount of the addition of a biodegradable component to the moulding sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thermo-insulating moulding sand with a binder made of aluminosilicate microspheres with organic binder was subjected to testing. The aim of the analysis was to determine selected technological properties of the developed compounds. Compressive strength, friability and gas permeability were determined. The binder content was changed within a range of 5÷20 wt% with a 5% step. The applied matrix is characterized by good thermo-insulating properties and a small size of grains, while synthetic organic binder has favourable functional properties, among which the most noteworthy are the extended life and setting time, good rheological properties as well as high resistance to chemical agents. The intended use of the compound is the casting of 3D CRS (Composite Reinforced Skeletons), which are characterized by a well-developed heat transfer surface area, good absorption of impact energy, low mass and a target thickness of connectors within a range of 1.5÷3 mm. The construction of 3D CRS castings is an original concept developed by the employees of the Department of Foundry Engineering at the Silesian University of Technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of an investigation of the gases emission of moulding sands with an inorganic (geopolymer) binder with a relaxation additive, whose main task is to reduce the final (residual) strength and improves knocking-out properties of moulding sand. The moulding sand without a relaxation additive was the reference point. The research was carried out using in accordance with the procedure developed at the Faculty of Foundry Engineering of AGH - University of Science and Technology, on the patented stand for determining gas emissions. Quantification of BTEX compounds was performed involving gas chromatography method (GC).The study showed that the introduction of relaxation additive has no negative impact on gas emissions - both in terms of the total amount of gases generated, as well as emissions of BTEX compounds. Among the BTEX compounds, only benzene is emitted from the tested moulding sands. Its emission is associated with the introduction a small amount of an organic hardener from the group of esters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented basic research was aimed at determining a correlation between compaction degree of moulding sand and its permittivity εr at 2,45•109 s-1. The measurement results make a basis for mathematical description of a multilayer technological system as is a combination of moulding sand and foundry instrumentation. Analysis of the results shows that compaction significantly influences permittivity of the sandmix containing water-glass, because permittivity value increases with increasing compaction degree.

The effects of silica additive (Poraver) on selected properties of BioCo3 binder in form of an aqueous poly(sodium acrylate) and dextrin (PAANa/D) binder were determined. Based on the results of the thermoanalytical studies (TG-DTG, FTIR, Py-GC/MS), it was found that the silica additive results in the increase of the thermostability of the BioCo3 binder and its contribution does not affect the increase in the level of emissions of organic destruction products. Compounds from group of aromatic hydrocarbons are only generated in the third set temperature range (420-838°C). The addition of silicate into the moulding sand with BioCo3 causes also the formation of a hydrogen bonds network with its share in the microwave radiation field and they are mainly responsible for maintaining the cross-linked structures in the mineral matrix system. As a consequence, the microwave curing process in the presence of Poraver leads to improved strength properties of the moulding sand (Rum). The addition of Poraver's silica to moulding sand did not alter the permeability of the moulding sand samples, and consequently reduced their friability. Microstructure investigations (SEM) of microwave-cured samples have confirmed that heterogeneous sand grains are bonded to one another through a binder film (bridges).

This paper presents the impact of microwave penetration depth on the process of heating the moulding sand with sodium silicate. For each material it is affected by: the wavelength in vacuum and the real and imaginary components of the relative complex electrical permittivity εr for a selected measurement frequency. Since the components are not constant values and they change depending on the electrical parameters of materials and the frequency of the electromagnetic wave, it is indispensable to carry out laboratory measurements to determine them. Moreover, the electrical parameters of materials are also affected by: temperature, packing degree, humidity and conductivity. The measurements of the dielectric properties of moulding sand with sodium silicate was carried out using the perturbation method on a stand of waveguide resonance cavity. The real and imaginary components of the relative complex electrical permittivity was determined for moulding sand at various contents of sodium silicate and at various packing degrees of the samples. On the basis of the results the microwave penetration depth of moulding sand with sodium silicate was established. Relative literature contains no such data that would be essential to predicting an effective process of microwave heating of moulding sand with sodium silicate. Both the packing degree and the amount of sodium silicate in moulding sand turned out to affect the penetration depth, which directly translates into microwave power density distribution in the process of microwave heating of moulding sand with sodium silicate.

The results of own studies concerning the application of a new additive to the CO2-hardened sodium water glass foundry sands are presented. The new additive, which is a composition of aqueous solutions of modified polyalcohols, has been designated by the symbol “B” and is used as an agent improving the sand knocking out properties. The scope of studies included various mechanical and technological properties of foundry sand mixtures, such as permeability, friability, life cycle of cores and knocking out properties. Two types of water glass with different values of the silica modulus and density, designated as R145 and R150, were tested. Moulding sands used in the tests were made with the additive “B”. For comparison, a reference sand mixture with water glass but without the additive “B” was also prepared.

Core sands for blowing processes, belong to these sands in which small amount of the applied binding material has the ability of covering the sand matrix surface in a way which - at relatively small coating thickness - allows to achieve the high strength. Although the deciding factor constitute, in this aspect, strength properties of a binder, its viscosity and ability to moisten the matrix surface, the essential meaning for the strength properties of the prepared moulding sand and the mould has the packing method of differing in sizes sand grains with the coating of the binding material deposited on their surfaces.

Using the available analytical methods, including the determination of chemical composition using wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescent spectroscopy technique and phase composition determined using X-ray diffraction, microstructural observations in a highresolution scanning microscope equipped with an X-ray microanalysis system as well as determination of characteristic softening and sintering temperatures using high-temperature microscope, the properties of particular chromite sands were defined. For the study has been typed reference sand with chemical properties, physical and thermal, treated as standard, and the sands of the regeneration process and the grinding process. Using these kinds of sand in foundries resulted in the occurrence of the phenomenon of the molding mass sintering. Impurities were identified and causes of sintering of a moulding sand based on chromite sand were characterized. Next, research methods enabling a quick evaluation of chromite sand suitability for use in the preparation of moulding sands were selected.

In the paper, a research on effects of baking temperature on chromite sand base of moulding sands bonded with sodium silicate is presented. Pure chromite sand and its chromite-based moulding sand prepared with use of sodium silicate were subjected to heating within 100 to 1200 °C. After cooling-down, changes of base grains under thermal action were determined. Chromite moulding sand was prepared with use of 0.5 wt% of domestic made, unmodified sodium silicate (water-glass) grade 145. After baking at elevated temperatures, creation of rough layer was observed on grain surfaces, of both pure chromite sand and that used as base of a moulding sand. Changes of sand grains were evaluated by scanning microscopy and EDS analyses. It was found that changes on grain surfaces are of laminar nature. The observed layer is composed of iron oxide (II) that is one of main structural components of chromite sand. In order to identify changes in internal structure of chromite sand grains, polished sections were prepared of moulding sand hardened with microwaves and baked at elevated temperatures. Microscopic observations revealed changes in grains structure in form of characteristically crystallised acicular particles with limited magnesium content, intersecting at various angles. EDS analysis showed that these particles are composed mostly of chromium oxide (III) and iron oxide (II). The temperature above that the a.m. changes are observed in both chromite-based moulding sand and in pure chromite sand. The observed phenomena were linked with hardness values and mass of this sand.

The aim of the study was to determine the applicability of a new product added to water glass-containing foundry sands hardened with ethylene glycol diacetate. The new additive designated by the symbol “B” is a composition of aqueous solutions of modified polyalcohols, improving the sand knocking out properties. The scope of studies included testing various mechanical and technological properties of foundry sand mixtures, such as permeability, friability, life cycle of cores and knocking out properties. In the technological studies, two types of water glass with different values of the silica modulus and density, designated as R145 and R150, were used. Moulding sands were prepared with the additive “B”. For comparison, reference sands with water glass but without the additive “B” were also made. In Part I of the article, the results of studies of the effect of additive “B” on the properties of foundry sands with water glass hardened by CO2 blowing were discussed.

The cumulative results of investigations of the possibility of using the reclaimed materials after the mechanical, thermal or mechanical-thermal reclamation for making cores by means of the blowing method in the alkaline CO2 technology, are presented in the paper. Three kinds of spent sands: with furfuryl resin, bentonite and alkaline phenolic resin, obtained from the foundry, were subjected to three kinds of reclamation: mechanical, thermal and combined mechanical-thermal, applying for this aim adequate experimental devices. The obtained reclaims were assessed with regard to the degree of the matrix liberation from the determined binding material. Reclaims of moulding sands with binders of the form of resin were assessed with regard to ignition loss values and pH reaction, while reclaims of moulding sands with bentonite with regard to the residual clay content and pH value. In all cases the results of the performed sieve analyses were estimated and the average characteristic diameter dl was determined. The reclaimed matrix was applied as a full substitute of the fresh high-silica sand in typical procedures of preparing core sands used for making shaped samples for bending strength investigations, Rgu.

This paper focuses on mechanical properties of self hardening moulding sands with furfuryl and alkyd binders. Elasticity as a new parameter of moulding sands is investigated. With the use of presented testing equipment, it is possible to determine force kinetics and deformation of moulding sand in real time. The need for this kind of study comes from the modern casting industry. New foundries can be characterized with high intensity of production which is correlated with high level of mechanization and automatization of foundry processes. The increasingly common use of manipulators in production of moulds and cores can lead to generation of new types of flaws, caused by breakage in moulds and cores which could occur during mould assembly. Hence it is required that moulds and cores have high resistance to those kinds of factors, attributing it with the phenomenon of elasticity. The article describes the theoretical basis of this property, presents methods of measuring and continues earlier research.

The results of investigations of the influence of the matrix grain sizes on properties of cores made by the blowing method are presented in the hereby paper. Five kinds of matrices, differing in grain size compositions, determined by the laser diffraction method in the Analysette 22NanoTec device, were applied in investigations. Individual kinds of matrices were used for making core sands in the Cordis technology. From these sands the shaped elements, for determining the apparent density of compacted sands and their bending strength, were made by the blowing method. The shaped elements (cores) were made at shooting pressures being 3, 4 and 5 atn. The bending strength of samples were determined directly after their preparation and after the storing time of 1 hour.

The ablation casting technology consists in pouring castings in single-use moulds made from the mixture of sand and watersoluble binder. After pouring the mould with liquid metal the mould is destructed (washed out) using a stream of cooling medium, which in this case is water. The process takes place while the casting is still solidifying. The following paper focuses on testing the influence of the modified ablation casting of aluminum alloy on casts properties produced in moulds with hydrated sodium silicate binder. The authors showed that the best kind of moulding sands for Al alloy casting will be those hardened with physical factors - through dehydration. The analysis of literature data and own research have shown that the moulding sand with hydrated sodium silicate hardened by dehydration is characterized by sufficient strength properties for the modified ablation casting of Al alloys. In the paper the use of microwave hardened moulding sands has been proposed. The moulds were prepared in the matrix specially designed for this technology. Two castings from the AlSi7Mg alloy were made; one by traditional gravity casting and the other by gravity casting using ablation. The conducted casts tests showed that the casting made in modified ablation casting technology characterizes by higher mechanical properties than the casting made in traditional casting technology. In both experimental castings the directional solidification was observed, however in casting made by ablation casting, dimensions of dendrites in the structure at appropriate levels were smaller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the influence of microwave drying parameters such as irradiation time and microwave power level on the properties of synthetic moulding sands is presented. Determination of compressive strength Rcs, shear strength Rts and permeability Ps of synthetic moulding sands with the addition of two different bentonites, after drying process with variable microwave parameters were made. The research works were carried out using the microwave oven with regulated power range of the electromagnetic field. From the results obtained, the significant influence of both drying time and microwave power level on the selected properties of moulding sands was observed. In comparison to the conventional drying method, microwave drying allows to obtain higher compressive strength of the synthetic moulding sand. The influence of application microwave irradiation on permeability was not observed. Higher strength characteristics and shorter drying time are major advantages of application of the electromagnetic irradiation for drying of the synthetic moulding sand with regard to conventional drying method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Gas atmosphere at the sand mould/cast alloy interface determines the quality of the casting obtained. Therefore the aim of this study was to measure and evaluate the gas forming tendency of selected moulding sands with alkyd resins. During direct and indirect gas measurements, the kinetics of gas evolution was recorded as a function of the temperature of the sand mixture undergoing the process of thermal destruction. The content of hydrogen and oxygen was continuously monitored to establish the type of the atmosphere created by the evolved gases (oxidizing/reducing). The existing research methodology [1, 7, 8] has been extended to include pressure-assisted technique of indirect measurement of the gas evolution rate. For this part of the studies, a new concept of the measurement was designed and tested. This article presents the results of measurements and compares gas emissions from two sand mixtures containing alkyd resins known under the trade name SL and SL2002, in which the polymerization process is initiated with isocyanate. Studies of the gas forming tendency were carried out by three methods on three test stands to record the gas evolution kinetics and evaluate the risk of gas formation in a moulding or core sand. Proprietary methods for indirect evaluation of the gas forming tendency have demonstrated a number of beneficial aspects, mainly due to the ability to record the quantity and composition of the evolved gases in real time and under stable and reproducible measurement conditions. Direct measurement of gas evolution rate from the tested sands during cast iron pouring process enables a comparison of the results with the results obtained by indirect methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Out of moulding sands used in the foundry industry, sands with organic binders deserve a special attention. These binders are based on synthetic resins, which ensure obtaining the proper technological properties and sound castings, however, they negatively influence the environment. These resins in their initial state these resins are not very dangerous for people and for the environment, thus under an influence of high temperatures they generate very harmful products, being the result of their thermal decomposition. Depending on the kind of the applied resin, under an influence of a temperature such compounds as: furfuryl alcohol, formaldehyde, phenol, BTEX group (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene), and also polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be formed and released.

In the paper, a research on effects of baking temperature on chromite sand base of moulding sands bonded with sodium silicate is presented. Pure chromite sand and its chromite-based moulding sand prepared with use of sodium silicate were subjected to heating within 100 to 1200 °C. After cooling-down, changes of base grains under thermal action were determined. Chromite moulding sand was prepared with use of 0.5 wt% of domestic made, unmodified sodium silicate (water-glass) grade 145. After baking at elevated temperatures, creation of rough layer was observed on grain surfaces, of both pure chromite sand and that used as base of a moulding sand. Changes of sand grains were evaluated by scanning microscopy and EDS analyses. It was found that changes on grain surfaces are of laminar nature. The observed layer is composed of iron oxide (II) that is one of main structural components of chromite sand. In order to identify changes in internal structure of chromite sand grains, polished sections were prepared of moulding sand hardened with microwaves and baked at elevated temperatures. Microscopic observations revealed changes in grains structure in form of characteristically crystallised acicular particles with limited magnesium content, intersecting at various angles. EDS analysis showed that these particles are composed mostly of chromium oxide (III) and iron oxide (II). The temperature above that the a.m. changes are observed in both chromite-based moulding sand and in pure chromite sand. The observed phenomena were linked with hardness values and mass of this sand.

The aim of the hereby paper is to present the developed model of determining the volume and surface porosity based on the main fraction of polifractional materials, its experimental verification and utilisation for the interpretation of effects accompanying the formation of a moulding sand apparent density, porosity and permeability in the blowing processes of the core and moulds technology.

The paper presents the research results of using an innovative method to reclaim the waste moulding sands containing water glass. Two of the examined processes are connected with "dry" or "wet" activation of inorganic binder in waste moulding sand mixtures physically hardened by microwave radiation. The sand mixtures consisting of high-silica sand and water-glass with average molar module 2.5, were subjected to the following cyclical process: mixing the components, compacting, microwave heating, cooling-down, thermally loading the mould to 800 °C, cooling-down to ambient temperature, and knocking-out. After being knocked-out, the waste moulding sands were subjected to either dry or wet activation of the binder. To activate thermally treated inorganic binder, each of the examined processes employed the surface phenomenon usually associated to mechanical reclamation. The study also covered possible use of some elements of wet reclamation to rehydrate waste binder. To evaluate the effectiveness of the two proposed methods of waste binder activation, selected strength and technological parameters were measured. After each subsequent processing cycle, the permeability, tensile strength and bending strength were determined. In addition, the surface of activated sand grains was examined with a scanning electron microscope. Analysis of the results indicates that it is possible to re-activate the used binder such as sodium silicate, and to stabilize the strength parameters in both activation processes. Permeability of the refreshed moulding sands strongly depends on the surface condition of high-silica grains. The wet activation process by wetting and buffering knocked-out moulding sands in closed humid environment makes it possible to reduce the content of refreshing additive in water-glass. The moulding sands cyclically prepared in both processes do not require the addition of fresh high-silica sand. The relatively high quality achieved in the refreshed moulding sands allows them to be reused for manufacture of next moulds. Thus, the two proposed methods for cyclically processing used moulding sands containing sodium silicate, subject to microwave hardening, are suitable for economic and ecological circulation moulding mixtures.

Polysaccharides constitute a wide group of important polymers with many commercial applications, for example food packaging, fibres, coatings, adhesives etc. This review is devoted to the presentation of polysaccharide application in foundry industry. In this paper the selected properties of foundry moulding sand and core sand containing modified polysaccharides as binders are presented according to foreign literature data. Also, author’s own research about effect of using moulding sand binder consisting of modified polysaccharide (modified starch) or its composition with non-toxic synthetic polymers are discussed. Based on technologies taken under consideration in this paper, it could be concluded that polysaccharides are suitable as an alternative for use as binder in foundry moulding applications.

The investigation results of the reclamation of spent moulding sands with furfuryl resin are presented in this paper. The reclamation process was performed in the secondary reclamation chamber of the REGMAS 1.5 vibratory reclaimer. 70 kg portions of moulding sands, previously subjected to the primary reclamation and dedusting, were used. The secondary reclamation was performed in two stages: the first consisted of determining the reclaimer intensity at various reclamation times (5 min, 10 min and 15 min) and various electrovibrator frequencies (40 Hz, 50 Hz and 60 Hz), the second consisted of determining the influence of additional crushing elements on the intensity of processes.

In the paper, an attempt is made to explain the previously observed increased effectiveness of utilising hydrated sodium water-glass grade 137 after hardening moulding sands with selected physical methods. In the modified process of preparing sandmixes, during stirring components, water as a wetting additive was introduced to the sand-binder system. Presented are examination results of influence of faster microwave heating and slower traditional drying of the so-prepared moulding sands on their tensile and bending strength, calculated per weight fraction of the binder. The measurement results were confronted with SEM observations of linking bridges and with chemical analyses of grain surfaces of high-silica base. On the grounds of comprehensive evaluation of hardened moulding sands, positive effects were found of the applied physical process of binder dehydration and presence of the wetting additive. It was observed that introduction of this additive during stirring, before adding the binder, improves flowing the binder to the places where durable linking bridges are created. It was also found that the applied methods of hardening by dehydration enable creation of very durable linking bridges, strongly connected with the sand base, which results in damages of high-silica grain surfaces, when the bridges are destroyed.

The problem related to the management of post reclamation dusts generated in the reclamation process of waste moulding sands with organic binders is presented in the hereby paper. Waste materials generated in this process are products hazardous for the environment and should be utilised. The prototype stand for the utilisation of this dangerous material in its co-burning with coal was developed and patented in AGH in Krakow. The stand was installed in one of the domestic casting houses. As the utilisation result the transformed waste product is obtained and its management in the production of ceramic materials constitutes the subject of the presented publication.

The article shows the influence of environment requirements on changes in different foundry moulding sands technologies such as cold box, self-hardening moulding sands and green sands. The aim of the article is to show the possibility of using the biodegradable materials as binders (or parts of binders’ compositions) for foundry moulding and core sands. The authors concentrated on the possibility of preparing new binders consisting of typical synthetic resins - commonly used in foundry practice - and biodegradable materials. According to own research it is presumed that using biodegradable materials as a part of new binders’ compositions may cause not only lower toxicity and better ability to reclaim, but may also accelerate the biodegradation rate of used binders. What’s more, using some kinds of biodegradable materials may improve flexibility of moulding sands with polymeric binder. The conducted research was introductory and took into account bending strength and thermal properties of furan moulding sands with biodegradable material (PCL). The research proved that new biodegradable additive did not decrease the tested properties.

The article contains the results of emission BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylobenzene and xylenes) during thermal destruction (500 – 1 300 °C) of moulding sand with furan resin. This furan resin is with a high content of free furfuryl alcohol (about 80 %). Knowledge of emissions of these compounds allows the assessment the harmfulness of a given moulding sand. Quantitative analysis of BTEX is highly complex and requires using of modern equipment (e.g. gas chromatography – mass spectrometry). Therefore, an attempt to assess potential emissions of BTEX compounds from a given moulding sand based on measurements of total volatile organic compounds (VOC) emission and loss on ignition (LOI). These measurements are less time-consuming and do not require expensive equipment.

The results of preliminary tests of selected properties of the moulding sands with the binder in the form of a 5 % water solution of the sodium salt of carboxymethyl starch (with a degree of substitution (DS) of 0,2 and 0,87) arepresented in this study. The moulding sand properties such as permeability, abrasion resistance, tensile and bendingstrength - after curing - are shown in series of tests. The cure process was conducted in a field of electromagnetic radiation within the microwave range. The effect of the microwave treatment on the moulding sand was evaporating of water (solvent in a binder) and cross-linking of the polymeric binder. As a result the cured moulding sands with particular properties, essential in the context of its application in the mould technology in the foundry industry, were obtained.

This paper focuses on the possibility of using the biodegradable materials as binders (or parts of binders?compositions) for foundry moulding and core sands. Results showed that there is a great possibility of using available biodegradable materials as foundry moulding sand binders. Using biodegradable materials as partial content of new binders, or additives to moulding sands may not only decrease the toxicity and increase reclamation ability of tested moulding sands, but also accelerate the biodegradation rate of used binders, and the new biodegradable additive (PCL) did not decrease the strength and thermal properties. In addition, using polycaprolactone (PCL) as a biodegradable material may improve the flexibility of moulding sands with polymeric binder and reduce toxicity.

The paper presents the results of basic research on the influence of the properties of sand grains on electrical properties of water glass moulding sands. It shows electrical properties of the main component – sand grains, crucial to the kinetics of moulding sands heating, such as permittivity εr and loss factor tgδ. Measurements were carried out with the use of the perturbation method for silica, chromite and olivine sands of different mineral, chemical composition and particle size distribution, as well as for moulding sands with water glass grade 145. Analysis of the results of measurements of electrical properties shows that all moulding sands are characterized by a similar permittivity εr and loss factor tgδ. It was found that the electrical properties and the quantity and quality of other components may have a decisive influence on the effectiveness and efficiency of the microwave heating of moulding sands with sand grains. In determining the ability to efficiently absorb the microwave radiation for mixtures which moulding sands are, the impact of all components influencing their individual technological parameters should be taken into account.

The production of thin-walled castings with wall thickness in the range of 1.5 to 3 mm and below requires the development of insulation moulding sands and/or core materials. The test has been taken to develop these kind of materials. The study included a description of their thermophysical properties. Authors described problems related to the heat flow in the casting-mould system, i.e. mathematically described the main dependence of heat give-up during crystallization of the casting. The influence of the content of polyglicol on the thermophysical properties of the mould with gypsum and cement binder was examined. Using the ATD method determined were the increments ΔT1 and ΔT2 describing the temperature changes in the mould during crystallization of hypoeutectic alloy of AlSi6 and the temperature difference between casting material and mould during the crystallization. In the considered range of technological parameters a description of the heat flow kinetics was given.

The investigation results of the influence of the reclaim additions on the properties of moulding sands with the GEOPOL geopolymer binder developed by the SAND TEAM Company were presented. Two brands of hardeners were applied in the tested compositions, the first one was developed by the SAND TEAM Company, marked SA72 and the new hardener offered by the KRATOS Company, marked KR72. The main purpose of investigations was to determine the influence of reclaim fractions and the applied hardener on the basic moulding sands properties, such as: bending and tensile strength, permeability and grindability. The unfavourable influence of the reclaim additions into moulding sands on the tested properties as well as an increased hardening rate, were found. Moulding sands, in which the hardener KR72 of the KRATOS Company was used, were less sensitive to the reclaim additions

The paper presents the results of laboratory tests into the effects of moisture and the content of two types of bentonite on dielectric properties of moulding sand. The use of electromagnetic waves in foundry industry is becoming more and more popular, which provides to some extent alternatives to conventional drying methods. Experimental studies published so far have shown the validity of using microwaves for drying classic moulding sands with bentonite. However, these studies lack data on the effect of moisture or bentonite content in moulding sand on the real component ε' or imaginary component ε'' of the relative complex electrical permittivity. The presented results may become in the future the basis for the evaluation of the composition of moulding sands, taking into account the phenomena occurring under the influence of electromagnetic field, which directly translates into the quality of the castings made and may constitute an attempt to develop a mathematical model of electric properties of moulding sands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essence of ablation casting technology consists in pouring castings in single-use moulds made from the mixture of sand and a watersoluble binder. After pouring the mould with liquid metal, while the casting is still solidifying, the mould destruction (washing out, erosion) takes place using a stream of cooling medium, which in this case is water. This paper focuses on the selection of moulding sands with hydrated sodium silicate for moulds used in the ablation casting. The research is based on the use of Cordis binder produced by the Hüttenes-Albertus Company. It is a new-generation inorganic binder based on hydrated sodium silicate. Its hardening takes place under the effect of high temperature. As part of the research, loose moulding mixtures based on the silica sand with different content of Cordis binder and special Anorgit additive were prepared. The reference material was sand mixture without the additive. The review of literature data and the results of own studies have shown that moulding sand with hydrated sodium silicate hardened by dehydration is characterized by sufficient strength properties to be used in the ablation casting process. Additionally, at the Foundry Research Institute in Krakow, preliminary semi-industrial tests were carried out on the use of Cordis sand technology in the manufacture of moulds for ablation casting. The possibility to use these sand mixtures has been confirmed in terms of both casting surface quality and sand reclamation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]