Dept. of Mechanical, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
This paper is a follow up to a preceding one titled determination of the physiochemical properties of the Nigerian acacia species exudates for foundry binding applications that is accepted for publication by the European Journal of Science and applied Science research. The research experimentally determined the key mechanical properties of sand like green and dry compressive strength; green permeability and hardness; shatter index and the moisture content of moulded sand specimens bonded with grade 3 Nigerian acacia species exudates using foundry equipment that included universal strength machine, permeability test meter, hardness tester, shatter testing machine and quick moisture teller in the foundry laboratory of Ajaokuta Steel Company limited, Nigeria. The result was compared with foundry standards and the material when added in the dry powdered form was found to be suitable for casting non-ferrous and light steel alloys, but suitable for nonferrous alloys when added in the solutionized form.
Significance: The significance of the research lies on the fact that foundries in Nigeria that used imported binders can easily source their sand binders from the Nigerian acacia species exudates that is available in abundance in the country thereby saving production costs. It would also reveal the material as another type of high quality moulding sand binder for the industry.
Grade 3 acacia species exudates, foundry moulding sand, binder, mechanical properties
