COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CORE BINDED BY GUM ARABIC AND COCONUT OIL
The growing demand for sustainable alternatives in foundry applications has led to the exploration of natural binders for green sand in sand casting. This study compares two natural binders, gum Arabic and coconut oil, to assess their impact on the mechanical properties of green sand. The aim was to evaluate their effectiveness in improving core hardness, compression, permeability, collapsibility, and the mechanical properties of cast components. Green sand mixtures were prepared with varying proportions of gum Arabic and coconut oil. The physiochemical properties of the binders were analyzed using ASTM standard procedures. Coconut oil showed a slightly acidic pH of 6.83, while gum Arabic was neutral. Various core tests and mechanical property tests on cast components were conducted. Results revealed that gum Arabic-based sand exhibited superior properties: core hardness of 16.1 BHN, core compression of 0.19 N/mm�, permeability of 215 d, and collapsibility of 5.7 s. Castings from gum Arabic had higher hardness (248.7 BHN), tensile strength (120.76 N/mm�), and flexural strength (193.02 N/mm�). In contrast, coconut oil-based sand showed lower mechanical properties, with core hardness of 12.3 BHN, tensile strength of 45.64 N/mm�, and flexural strength of 145.52 N/mm�. The study concludes that gum Arabic is a more effective and environmentally friendly binder for green sand casting, while coconut oil, though natural, proves less suitable due to weaker mechanical properties. Further research on coconut oil may explore its potential for other applications.
Authors : Olatunji, F.F., Akindapo, J.O., Akor, T.N. and Orueri, D.U.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 11(1) Date Uploaded : 7th May 2025