GietechGO

Binders for making sand moulds

Foundries (aluminium, steel and iron) use moulds, in which the metal is poured in in liquid form, in order to take on the shape of the mould. These molds are produced with sand and a so-called binder. Usually this binder is an organic compound, which often is ytoxic. Especially in case of metal casting this results in the release of highly toxic substances in gaseous form. In this project GietechGo we aim to introduce inorganic binders in three different foundries in the provinces of Overijssel and Gelderland in the Netherlands.

Research activities

With the aid of various micro / nano microscopy and spectroscopic characterization we will study the structure of the grains of sand and the inorganic binder. We will pay particular attention to the interaction of the binder with the sand, and with the metal too. In combination with experiments in which the macroscopic mechanical properties are determined as a function of the concentration of binder material that is used, we will establish a link between the micro/nanostructure of this material, and its mechanical properties.

Participants GietechGO

The Saxion research groups NanoBioInterface and Industrial DesignPeak International BVAGO (Oldenzaal), Sanders (Goor), Nannoka Vulcan (Doetinchem).

Duration

The GietechGo project runs from January 2016 till January 2019.

More information

For more information on the GietechGo project please contact Martin Bennink, professor NanoBioInterface, m.l.bennink@saxion.nl.