Assessment of Moulding Properties of Gbara Sand Deposit for Casting Purposes

Abstract

Assessment of moulding properties of Gbara sand deposit for casting purposes was carried out. Gbara sand sample was collected along the river bank and characterized to ascertain its suitability for use for casting purposes. Standard foundry laboratory testing equipment were used to carry out the tests and the results obtained were compared with American Foundry Men Society Standard (AFS). The samples of the sand were tested for Refractoriness, Sieve analysis, Clay content, Moisture content, Permeability, Shatter index, Dry and Green strength as well as Chemical analysis. The sand was divided into six specimens and tested with different percentages of Ant-hill as a binder which responded well. Casting was carried out using Gbara sand and Zungeru sand (used in SEDI Minna foundry) and the properties (Tensile, Hardness, Impact and Microstructure) of the cast specimens were compared. The result of the mechanical properties analysis was compared to existing foundry standard and it was found to be very suitable for all types of non-ferrous alloy casting. The result showed that Gbara river bank sand is alumina silicate with physio-chemical properties that are suitable for non-ferrous alloy casting.