Influence of furfuryl moulding sand on flake graphite formation in surface layer of ductile iron castings

Abstract

The influence of the use of moulding sand with furan resin, prepared both with fresh sand and reclaimed matrix, on the formation of a flake graphite formation at the surface layer of ductile iron castings has been investigated. A series of experimental heats of ductile iron cast in moulds made of moulding sand characterised by different levels of surface active elements (sulphur, oxygen) were performed. The effect of the wall thickness and the initial temperature of the metal in the mould cavity on the formation of flake graphite in the surface layer of the casting is shown in the paper. Investigations carried out by means of scanning electron microscopy (energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) showed concentration of gradient profiles of surface active elements in the castings surface layer, which are responsible for their quality. Finally, it has been shown that there exists a significant effect of the quality of the sand on the formation of the flake graphite layer and the surface characteristics of ductile iron castings.

Keywords:

• Ductile iron
• Casting skin
• Graphite degeneration
• Moulding sand
• Reclaimed matrix