The Effect of Reclaim Primary Quality on Moulding Sand Parameters and Quality of Ductile Iron Casting Surface Layer

Abstract

The aim of the research was to determine the effect of the primary quality of reclaim from dry mechanical reclamation on the strength properties and service life of moulding sands based on this reclaim. Another aim was to establish the effect of the quality of reclaim, sulphur content - in particular, on the surface quality and thickness of the deformed surface layer in ductile iron castings. The research has revealed differences in the strength parameters and service life (mouldability) of sands based on the tested reclaims, depending on the type of the furfuryl resin used, including resins whose synthesis was done as part of the Żywfur project. Examinations of the structure of the surface layer of test castings poured in moulds made of loose self-hardening sands containing the addition of reclaim have confirmed the occurrence of degenerated spheroidal graphite in this part of the casting. It should be noted here that when massive castings with a long solidification time are made, the graphite degeneration effect can be more visible and the layer with the changed structure can increase in thickness. The research has clearly shown that it is necessary to control the parameters of the reclaim, including sulphur content which is transferred from the hardener and accumulates on the grains. This phenomenon has a negative impact not only on the sand strength and technological properties but also on the surface layer of castings.

Keywords

• foundry industry
• furfuryl resin
• reclaim
• self-hardening moulding sand
• surface quality