DEVELOPING GOOD QUALITY CASTING-SANDS FROM NIGERIAN SOILS

Abstract

The suitability and the range of application of termite soil in sand moulds have been investigated both experimentally and practically through castings (ferrous and non-ferrous) of engineering components. The experimental tests were conducted in accordance with the American foundry society specifications to determine the moulding properties. The experimental results of the termites soil based sands and bentonite based sands were compared and various sand conditions based on the comparison were selected for castings of bronze, aluminum and cast iron. The investigation show that 37%, 40% and 45% termite soil at 5% to 7.5%moisture content ,and 8% to 10% bentonite at 2% to 4%moisture content are comparable in terms of their moulding properties, and these are in good correlation with the standard properties. The practical castings revealed that the sand conditions between 30% and 40% termite soil at 60% to 8% moisture content are most recommended for casting of engineering components.