Sand-sodium-silicate mixtures structured in steam-microwave environment effective values of thermo-physical properties

Abstract

Purpose. Sand-sodium-silicate mixtures, structured by steam-microwave solidification, thermo-physical properties integral-effective values during Al-Mg alloy and graphite cast iron pouring determination. Sand-sodium-silicate mixture apparent density changing according to quartz sand, cladded with sodium silicate solute, fractional composition and its influence on BrA9Zh3L bronze microstructure establishment. Methodology. Quartz sand with 0.23 mm average particle size, sodium silicate solute, aluminum alloy with 8.5% Mg, flake graphite cast iron SCh200 (DSTU 8833:2019), bronze BrA9Zh3L (GOST 493-79) were used. Mixtures structuring was carried out in 700 W magnetron power microwave furnace. Sand-sodium-silicate mixture thermo-physical properties integral-effective values were calculated by G.A.Anisovich method, using castings results and molds thermography. Structured mixtures apparent density was determined on samples 50 120 mm dimension. Metallographic studies were realized using Neophot-21 optical microscope. Findings. It was found that with sodium silicate solute, used for sand cladding, amount increasing from 0.5 to 3% mold material apparent density decreases and thermal activity lowers. This leads to castings grains size increasing. Mixture sodium silicate solute content was recommended limiting 1.5% for fine-grained microstructure castings obtaining and cladded sand using, which particles pass through mesh side less 0.315 mm sieve. Sands with sodium silicate solute content more than 1.5%, which dont pass through sieve 0.4 mm mesh side, were recommended as casting molds heat-insulating material using. Originality. For the first time, when aluminum-magnesium alloy and graphite cast iron pouring, quartz sand cladded with sodium silicate solute in amount from 0.5 to 3.0% (weight, over 100% quartz sand), steam-microwave radiation structured, thermo-physical properties integral-effective values were determined. Practical value. Data obtained using will improve castings solidification time and rate analytical calculations accuracy, forecast level and residual stresses sign in them, shrinkage defects locations. This will reduce casting technology developing time and costs and castings manufacturability.