Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Characterization of River Niger (Idah Deposit), Ochadamu and Uwowo Sands for Foundry Mould Production
by Aji D. A., Igu N., Oseni M. I., Apata A. O., and Baba G.

Abstract:
Characterization of River Niger (Idah deposit), Ochadamu and Uwowo Sands has been carried out to ascertain their suitability for foundry mould production. The sand samples were subjected to both physical (Green compressive strength, Green shear strength, Dry compressive strength, Dry shear strength, Permeability, Compactibility, Refractoriness and Sieve analysis) and chemical test (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer). Permeability and compactibility of the sand samples compared favorably with standard values of 200ml/s and 45% respectively. Refractoriness of River Niger and Ochadamu sands compared favorably with the standard values of between 1600 � 2500oC and therefore can be used for ferrous and non-ferrous castings. Refractoriness of Uwowo sand is low and can only be used for non-ferrous castings. The chemical analysis of the sand samples compared favorably with the standard (AFS). From the results it showed that, River Niger and Ochadamu sands are silica because of their high silica content. The three Sand samples were used to sand cast aluminium product, their hardness and tensile strengths as well as the microstructural analysis of the cast products were determined. Both the Hardness and Tensile Strength values are within the standard values of 35 � 120 Hv10 and 100 � 500 N/mm2 respectively. The microstructure of the cast agreed with the Hardness and Tensile strength results. Fine grained materials show high Hardness and Tensile strength values, while coarse grained materials show lower hardness and tensile strength values.

Keywords: foundry, sands deposit, composition, chemical and physical properties, refractoriness

Download full paper