Suitability Assessment of the Properties of Agba Dam Moulding Sand for Foundry Applications

Abstract

Understanding the attributes of moulding sands is essential for foundry efficiency and high-quality cast production, which can be achieved through adequate information on their properties. The lack of comprehensive information about indigenous natural moulding sands has led to suboptimal casting quality and stunted industry growth in Nigeria. This study employed the rigorous standards set forth by the AFS-American Foundry Men's Society to conduct a comprehensive characterization of Agba dam's natural moulding sand samples' chemical and physico-mechanical properties for sand foundry applications. The chemical analysis revealed a composition of 79.771% SiO₂ and 9.383% Al₂O₃, with trace amounts of Na₂O, K₂O, CaO, Fe₂O₃, MgO, and TiO₂, classifying this sand as Alumino-silicate. The evaluation of physico-mechanical properties showed: silt content (5%), moisture content (1.81%), grain fineness number (44.54), green compressive strength (54.54 kN/m²), dry compressive strength (21.60 kN/m²), specific gravity (2.65), shatter index (40.26% green and 50.89% dry), bulk density (2196.24 kg/m³), permeability (0.05595 cm/sec), and refractoriness (>610°C). Most findings met AFS standards for non-ferrous metal casting. Enhancing the sand's performance, particularly in compressive strength, may be achievable through a suitable binder. Thus, this moulding sand is suitable for non-ferrous metal casting, and its effective use could stimulate economic growth and help address unemployment in Nigeria.