Abstract
An increased number of foundries are exploring the use of
inorganic binders due to their environmental friendliness
and excellent foundry properties. This paper investigates
the residual strength of a new type of single component
sodium silicate binder and the relationship of the residual
strength to the morphology of the bond as revealed by
scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sodium silicate
binder was mixed at 3% and cured by three different
methods including heat, carbon dioxide and ester. The
residual strength of all the curing mechanisms with the
same base silica sand showed a drop in strength from the
as cured temperature up to a temperature of 800 0C
(14720F) and then a secondary peak at 1000 0C (18320F).
SEM image analysis of the bonds provides an in depth
understanding of the trend in residual strength.