Characterization of Southwestern Nigeria River Sand for foundry use

Abstract

The greater number of castings produced globally are made by using sand casting techniques that utilize sand as major moulding material. This paper characterizes Isasa River sand based on its physical and chemical properties with the aid of Tandem pelletron electrostatic accelerator, trinocular microscope, mechanical sieve shaker, and box furnace, for Foundry application. Results obtained revealed that the River sand has moisture content of 4.30%, clay content of 2.22%, grain fineness number (GFN) of 49, Silica (SiO2) content of 93%, and sintering point of 1400oC. The River sand is a 4-screen sand, having angular grains with medium sphericity. Isasa River sand will be suitable for casting of gray iron and non-ferrous metals, with the addition of binding agent in suitable proportion.