In-situ behavior of selected local sand binders on microstructure and mechanical properties of grey cast iron

The need to develop local sand binder by manufacturing industries has become necessary for national development. in this paper,the suitability of selected local sand binders on microstructural and mechanical properties of sand cast-grey cast iron was examined. the bentonite,cassava starch,rubber latex is varied for 5w% - 11w% fritter added to 100% silica sand of 5w% water. the selected scrap was superheated to 1550°c with 0.1% (fe-si) inoculant for proper dissolution. the microhardness and tensile properties were examined using brinnel hardness (hbn) and instron tensiometer (1195) for tensile values (mpa) respectively. the microstructural properties of the produced cast were examined through nikon metallurgical microscope. results obtained from the grey cast revealed a pearlite matrix interface,massive carbide and graphite phases. molds bonded with bentonite and cassava starch appears better with average hardness value of 437 and 385 (hbn) respectively. the microstructure was seen to be dominated by majorly pearlite matrix with little carbide which are favorable for the formation of gray cast iron which requires low chilling in the mould.