Analysis and Development of lgbokoda Clay as a Binder for Synthetic Moulding Sand
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Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., Amsterdam
Abstract
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Clay obtained from lgbokoda in the southwestern part of Nigeria has been analysed and developed
as a binder for synthetic moulding sand. The analysis was compared with the analytical
results obtained for the pre-treated bentonite clay imported from the U.S.A. and used by the
Nigerian Foundries Ltd. (NFL). X-ray analysis indicated the presence of kaolin, illite and montmorillonite
(parent mineral of bentonite), with kaolin having the highest percentage in the lgbokoda
clay and montmorillonite was further confirmed by the flame test which shows the existence
of exchangeable cations not present in kaolin. The effects of mixing varying amounts of clay,
tempering water and sand on moulding properties were investigated. The green and dry strength
and shatter index of the mixtures were determined. The green and the dry strength (both in shear
and compression) of the lgbokoda test clay, mixed with the sub angular lagoon silica sand and
determined at optimum water content, give good values for synthetic moulding sand. The shatter
index test shows a decrease in collapsibility as the water content decreases at constant clay addition.
lgbokoda clay is more collapsible but less tough than bentonite as shown by the shatter index
Keywords
TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery