The Study on Acacia Gum for the Production of Cores for Foundry Processes

Four different types of acacia gums were used in this research work. The four materials species are categorized as grades A, B, C, and D. The binders are popularly known as acacia gums. In most foundry operations, to achieve quality casting results, the experimental binders are varied until better results are obtained. Sixty-five (65) samples were produced and the physical and mechanical properties of the cores, the green, and dry compression strength N/cm2, gas permeability, mouldability index, shatter index, and moisture contents were determined. The experiments were fitted into the different core mixtures with acacia gum 15–17%, green sand ranging from 81 to 79%, and 4% water; acacia gum 5–7%, green sand ranging 84–82%, starch 7%, and water at 4% constant; acacia gum 5–7%, green sand ranging from 84 to 82%, bentonite 7%, and water 4%, and so on. Data generated from each of the experiments were used to plot different graphs. The produced samples were also dried in the drying oven with various temperature ranges of 60–180 °C. The experiments were carried out under very strict foundry practical conditions. Two inlet guides were produced with the grey cast iron and aluminium materials. The liquid metal for the grey cast iron was produced with the use of a one-tonne medium frequency induction furnace domicile in the foundry shop of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited. A crucible furnace was used for the melting and casting of the aluminium inlet guides. Acacia gum has strong foundry properties for core productions; the results obtained from the research work validated  the properties as explained. The combination of the conventional binders with the acacia gums gave good bonding possibilities; the acacia gums used alone also have a good bonding tendency. The findings obtained from the experiments revealed that the acacia gums could be used independently apart from other conventional binders for the production of cores for foundry operations.