Hybrid Effect of Selected Local Binders on the Moulding Properties of River Niger Silica Sand for Industrial Application

Abstract

This work investigated the effects of bentonite, cassava starch, and yam starch binders on foundry moulding sand. The three binders were applied separately to River Niger bank silica sand in different proportions. The effects of these various additions on foundry moulding sand were investigated by conducting out various tests as permeability, moisture content, green compressive strength, dry compressive strength, mouldability, shatter index as well as the AFS of the sand. The results showed that bentonite had better binding characteristics as compared to cassava starch and yam starch. The green and dry compressive strength of the three binder’s increases as the percentage binder addition increased. Mouldability of the three binders on the sand equally increases as the percentage binder additions increases. Permeability and shatter index for the three binders decreased as the quantity of binder increased. The sieves analysis results with AFS number 45 shows that the grain fineness index falls within the acceptable range which is suitable for foundry application.