Leonardo Electronic Journal of Practices and Technologies Issue 19, July-December 2011

ISSN 1583-1078 p. 85-96

Effects of Moisture Content on the Foundry Properties of Yola Natural

Sand

Paul Aondona IHOM1, Johnson AGUNSOYE2, Emmanuel Eric ANBUA3, Joy OGBODO4

1
National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, PMB 2116,Jos Plateau State- Nigeria
2
University of Lagos, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, Nigeria
3
Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Mechanical Engineering Department, Nigeria
4
Scientific Equipment Development Institute, Enugu, Nigeria
E-mail(s): [email protected], [email protected], [email protected],
[email protected]
*
Corresponding author: Phone: 08035813571

Abstract
The effect of moisture content of Yola natural sand has been studied. The
moisture content was varied from 1 to 9%. The effect of the moisture content
on the green compression strength, green permeability and bulk density was
investigated. Particle size distribution of the natural sand, the grain fineness
number, average grain size, grain shape and the clay content of the natural
sand were also studied. 5% moisture gave the optimum green compression
strength of 118.6KN/m2. The dry compression strength increased with
moisture content, an optimum value of 4000KN/m2 was obtained at 9%
moisture. The Yola natural sand had a grain fineness number of 88.05AFS,
average grain size of 335.78 microns and a clay content of 26%. A sand
mixture containing 5% moisture was prepared and used to produce a test
casting with aluminium scraps, the test casting was sound.
Keywords
Moisture Content; Variation; Effects; Properties; Yola Natural Sand.

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 Effects of Moisture Content on the Foundry Properties of Yola Natural Sand
Paul Aondona IHOM, Johnson AGUNSOYE, Emmanuel Eric ANBUA, and Joy OGBODO

Introduction

Yola natural sand deposit is found in the Northern part of Nigeria by the river Yola
basin. The river forms the upper part of the River Benue, which is one of the major rivers that
flow through Nigeria. Various sand systems in Nigeria have been investigated including this
sand deposit. Interestingly enough to the best of the knowledge of the researchers no
investigator have investigated the effects of moisture content on the foundry properties of
moulding mixture of this natural sand. Studies has clearly shown that the shape and size of
sand grains, the nature and content of clays, moisture and additives, efficiency of mulling the
raw materials etc are very important in deciding the properties and behavior of the sand
mixture [1].
However, for many years, sand control had been practice through the evaluation of the
physical properties of the sand mixtures in line with the recommendations made [1]. Later,
this practice came under sharp attack and it was felt that the physical properties must be
supplemented by complete analysis of the sand mixture. Subsequently, new methods for
testing sands and also some type of control graphs were developed which were claimed to be
useful in sand control vis-à-vis analysis of the sand mixtures. Literature review has clearly
shown that there is a correlation between the physical properties and the variable factors of
the sand mixtures for the purpose of attaining a satisfactory level of sand control. The mulling
station is the central point in deciding the properties and behaviour of clay bonded sands. It is
the point at which water is introduced into a moulding mixture [1, 2].
Basically there are two types of sands the natural sand and the synthetic sands [2, 3].
Natural sand has enough clay content for moulding. During mulling of natural sands they only
need moisture and other additives to improve the quality of the casting [3]. Synthetic sands
require clay binders, moisture and other additives before they can be moulded. Natural sands
are more economical and easy to use. They however, in most cases lack the high
refractoriness that is commonly associated with synthetic sands. The properties of synthetic
sands can also be adjusted with ease [3, 4].
Moisture content has been cited by many researchers as one of the variables that affect
the properties of a moulding mixture in a sand mixture. The variation of moisture affects
properties like bulk density, permeability, green compression strength, dry compression
strength, shear strength, and other properties of the moulding mixture [3, 5].
The objective of this work was to see how moisture variation will affect the properties

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 Leonardo Electronic Journal of Practices and Technologies Issue 19, July-December 2011
ISSN 1583-1078 p. 85-96

of moulding mixtures prepared using Yola natural Sand. The best moulding mixture with the
best foundry properties was used in producing some castings for quality assessment. The
investigation of the effect of moisture on this sand has become necessary, so as to provide
foundry men using this sand with information on the optimum amount of moisture to be used
while moulding the sand. Local foundries around the area are already using this sand for
casting of aluminium and its alloys as well as cast irons. This information will go a long way
in enhancing quality production in the local foundries.

Material and Method

Natural and untreated water was used to reduce the effect of chlorides on the strength
property of the moulding mixture. The natural sand used was obtained directly from the
source at Yola, Adamawa state North eastern Nigeria.
The equipment used was those in the Sand Testing Laboratory of the National
Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos-Nigeria. These include: nest of sieves and Sieve
Shaker, clay washer, electronic digital balance, speedy moisture tester, universal strength
testing machine, sand rammer, electric parameter and others.

Methods
Sieve Analysis: 300g of the natural sand was weighed and dried to a constant weight
using a pickstone oven produced by Ridsdale oven produced by Ridsdale and co. Ltd
Middlesbrough- England. 100g of the natural sand was weighed and introduced into the top-
most sieve of the nest of sieves arranged from the largest aperture to the smallest. The nest of
sieve was mounted on a sieve shaker and vibrated for 15 minutes. The sieves had the largest
sieve with an aperture of 1400 microns and the smallest with an aperture of 63 microns. The
result was tabulated and used in calculating the grain fineness number of the natural sand.
Another 100g was weighed and introduced into a nest of sieves, which had the largest
sieve with an aperture of 710 microns and the smallest with an aperture of 63 microns. The
nest of sieve was mounted on the sieve shaker and used in calculating the average grain size
of the natural sand.
Determination of the Clay Content of the Natural Sand: 50g of the sand which was

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 Effects of Moisture Content on the Foundry Properties of Yola Natural Sand
Paul Aondona IHOM, Johnson AGUNSOYE, Emmanuel Eric ANBUA, and Joy OGBODO

dried to a constant weight was weighed, introduced into the beaker of the clay washer
apparatus. This was then washed with a solution of 475ml of distilled water, and 25ml of 3%
sodium hydroxide solution for five minutes with the aid of a mechanical stirrer in the washing
machine. A little water was used to wash into the beaker the sand particles that stick to the
stirrer. It was allowed to settle for 10 minutes and then the suspension formed as a result of
clay was siphoned-off. Fresh water was added, allowed to stand for 5 minutes, and again the
water on top was siphoned off. This continued at 5 minutes interval until the water was clear.
The sand that remained was then drained of water and dried in the oven at 1190C and
reweighed. The difference in weight was multiplied by 2 and that gave the AFS clay content
percentage in the natural sand.
Moulding Mixture Preparation and Standard Test Specimen: the moulding of the sand
mixture was done using a laboratory size muller (mixer) made by Ridsdale and Co. Ltd. with
serial No.845. The mixing was done for 5 minutes, and then discharged. For each batch, 1kg
of the natural sand was mixed with water. The water content was varied from 1 to 9%. The
sand mixture prepared was used to prepare standard test specimen (50mmx50mm) using a
digital weighing balance and a sand rammer.
Green Compression Strength (GCS): the standard test specimens which were prepared
as stated above were quickly transferred to the universal strength testing machine made by
Ridsdale and Co. Ltd with serial No. M-8415, using the compression head accessory, the
specimens for green compression were failed and the result registered on the green
compression scale of the machine.
Dry Compression Strength (DCS): the specimens for the dry compression were dried
under natural conditions in the open foundry for 24hrs. They were then tested using the
universal strength testing machine, with the compression head accessories in place for the
failing of the specimens. The result was registered on the dry compression strength scale of
the machine.
Green Permeability: the standard test specimens for green permeability were
transferred immediately to the electric parameter made by Ridsdale and Co. Ltd with serial
No. 872 for the determination of the green permeability of the natural sand in green condition.
The specimens were mounted on the device, while still inside the specimen tube. The machine
was switched on and the test lever adjusted to test. The result was displayed on the dial of the
machine in AFS perm units.

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Bulk Density: the bulk density of the sand mixture was determined using a density
indicator attached to the sand rammer made by Ridsdale and Co. Ltd. Middleborough-
England, with serial No.8421.
Casting: the sand mixture was used to produce aluminium alloy test casting to assess
the quality. The sand mixture had 5% moisture content. It was mulled and moulded using a
cylindrical wooden pattern with a core-print. Gating system was created with a spree for
pouring the molten metal which was melted using an electric furnace. After pouring the
molten metal was allowed to solidify before finally carrying out the shaking out and cleaning
operation.

Results and Discussion

Tables 1 and 2 show the sieve analysis of Yola natural sand.

Table 1. Sieve Analysis of Yola Natural Sand

S/No ISO Aperture Sieve Weight Weight Cumulative Product
(microns) No Retained (g) Retained (%) Weight (%)
1. 1400 14 1.80 1.80 1.80 0.00
2. 1000 18 3.00 3.00 4.80 42.00
3. 710 25 4.10 4.10 7.90 73.30
4. 500 35 4.50 4.50 11.40 112.50
5. 355 45 7.00 7.00 18.40 245.00
6. 250 60 17.00 17.00 35.40 765.00
7. 180 80 18.50 18.50 53.90 1110.00
8. 125 120 17.40 17.40 71.30 1392.00
9. 90 170 8.20 8.20 79.50 984.00
10. 63 230 2.90 2.90 82.40 493.00
11. -63 -230 15.60 15.60 100.00 3588.00
Σ8805.30
Grain Fineness Number (GFN) = 8805.30/100.00=88.05AFS; Colour: Dark Brown; Grain Shape: Angular

The two tables show the particle size distribution of the natural sand. Microscopic
examination shows that the sand has dark brown colour and angular grain shape. The sand is
three-screen sand with the particle sizes reasonably distributed in all the screens. The shape of
the sand and the particle size distribution of the sand could give rise to good permeability and
strength [2, 6,]. Table1 gives the grain fineness number of the natural sand as 88.05AFS.

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Paul Aondona IHOM, Johnson AGUNSOYE, Emmanuel Eric ANBUA, and Joy OGBODO

Table 2 gives the average grain size of the sand as 335.75 microns. This value falls within the
common foundry range of 150 to 400 microns [2, 6]. While average grain size and AFS grain
fineness number are useful parameters, choices of sand should be based on particle size
distribution. The size distribution of the sand affects the quality of the castings. Coarse-
grained sands allow metal penetration into moulds and cores giving poor surface finish to the
castings [4]. Rundman [2] agrees also that the properties of moulding sand depend strongly
upon the size distribution of the sand that is used, whether it is silica, olivine, chromites, or
other aggregates [2].

Table 2. Average Grain Size of Yola Natural Sand from Sieve Analysis
S/NO ISO Aperture (microns) Weight Retained (%) Multiplier Product
1. 710 12.80 1180 15104.00
2. 500 4.150 600 2490.00
3. 355 6.360 425 2703.00
4. 250 17.75 300 5325.00
5. 180 15.76 212 3341.12
6. 125 17.40 150 2610.00
7 90 6.51 106 690.06
8. 63 3.58 75 268.50
9. 63(pan) 14.18 38 538.84
Σ98.49 Σ33070.52
Average Grain Size (AGS) = 33070.52/98.49 =335.78 microns

Table 3 shows the result of green compression strength of Yola natural sand as the
moisture was varied. Figure1 illustrates the variation of the moisture content of the sand with
the green compression strength of the natural sand. As the moisture content increases the
green compression strength also increases until optimum value was reached, after which the
green compression strength decreased, as the moisture content increased. In the case of Yola
natural sand the maximum green compression strength occurred at 5% moisture content
corresponding to green compression strength of 118.6 KN/m2. After this maximum value the
green compression strength decreased down to 75.2 kN/m2 as the moisture was increased to
9%. The result agrees with work done by different researchers on green sands [1, 6-18]. The
strength of green sands depends upon a number of factors, including the clay and water
content, the type of clay, the sand size distribution, the temperature of the sand, the amount
and type of additive, the degree of mulling or mixing, the extent of compaction (number of
rams of a testing machine), the adsorbed species (Na or Ca) etc. [2].

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Table 3. Foundry Properties of Yola Natural Sand as the Moisture Content was Varied from
1- 9%
Moisture % 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Green 80.67 87.6 97.2 106.9 118.6 106.5 86.2 92.4 75.2
Compression
Strength kN/m2
Dry Compression 172.4 413.7 1034.3 1327.3 2189.2 2568.4 3033.8 3600 4000
Strength, KN/m2
Green 280 290 290 280 310 320 400 420 400
Permeability
(AFS Perm units)
Bulk Density 1.65 1.63 1.61 1.63 1.64 1.66 1.68 1.73 1.78
g/cm3
Clay Content % 26

Table 3 gives the result of moisture content variation of Yola natural sand with the dry
compression strength of the sand. The effect of the moisture content is clearly shown in
Figure 2. The figure shows that as the moisture content of the natural sand increased the dry
compression strength of the sand also increased. The dry compression strength of the sand
increases and got to optimum value of 4000KN/m2 at 9% moisture content. This trend is seen
in several literatures that have been reviewed [6, 7]. It should be noted that although the green
compression strength was reducing after 5% moisture content, the dry compression kept
increasing with increase in moisture content,(figures 1 and 2). It therefore means that if higher
dry compression strengths are required with the natural sand then higher moisture content
above of 5% will be needed. The drying time will however be longer to avoid defective
casting as a result of water vapour from the mould. Higher dry compression strengths are
required during pouring to reduce mould-collapse, cracking, and erosion to enhance quality
casting [6-8].
Table 3 shows the results of green permeability of Yola natural sand as the moisture
was increased. The effect of the variation of the moisture content on the green permeability is
show Figure 3. As the moisture content increases the green permeability also increased to a
high value of 420 AFS Perm units corresponding to 8% moisture, after which it started
decreasing. This trend is seen in most of the works reviewed [1, 2, 4]. According to Rundman
[2], the permeability increases in a nearly linear manner due to the swelling action of the clay
particles, thereby pushing the sand particles further apart and making more room for air

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 Effects of Moisture Content on the Foundry Properties of Yola Natural Sand
Paul Aondona IHOM, Johnson AGUNSOYE, Emmanuel Eric ANBUA, and Joy OGBODO

passages. Beyond the point where the clay becomes saturated with moisture, the water merely
fills space in the void volume, resulting in an increase in density and decrease in permeability
[2, 8].
Green Compression Strength, kPa 140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
% Moisture
Figure 1. Moisture Content Variation with Green Compression Strength of Yola Natural
Sand
4500

4000
Dry Compression Strength,

3500
3000

2500
2000
1500
1000
500

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
% Moisture

Figure 2. Moisture Content Variation with Dry Compression Strength of Yola Natural Sand

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450

Green Permeability,AFS Perm units

400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
% Moisture

Figure 3. Moisture Content Variation with Green Permeability of Yola Natural Sand

Table 3, shows the results of bulk density of Yola natural sand as the moisture content
was varied. Figure 4, shows the results with a curve which showed bulk density decreasing,
then rising again to a high value of 1.78g/cm3 at 9% moisture content. Rundman [2]
explained what happens to bulk density when moisture is increased. According to him as the
moisture content is increased the clay content takes up the water, resulting in swelling of the
clay particles, thereby pushing the sand particles apart, resulting in reduced bulk density and
permeability. The point where the bulk density starts rising again indicate the point where the
clay content becomes saturated with water, beyond this point the water merely fills space in
the void volume, resulting in an increase in bulk density and decrease in green permeability.
Several other researchers also agree with this explanation [7-18].
Yola natural sand has a clay content of 26% as can be seen from Table 3. The sand is
natural sand. Here in Nigeria most foundries still make use of natural sand because most of
the foundries are into the casting of aluminium and cast iron as against steel. According to
Brown [4] natural sands are little used nowadays (except for some aluminium castings) and
most foundry green sands are synthetic. This is the situation in the USA and Europe [2, 3].
The recommended green permeability for green sand is 80-110, green strength is 70-
100KN/m2 and bulk density is 1.49g/cm3 and above [10-13,15].

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 Effects of Moisture Content on the Foundry Properties of Yola Natural Sand
Paul Aondona IHOM, Johnson AGUNSOYE, Emmanuel Eric ANBUA, and Joy OGBODO

1.8

1.75

Bulk Density g/cm3

1.7

1.65

1.6

1.55

1.5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
% Moisture
Figure 4. Moisture Content Variations with Bulk Density of Yola Natural Sand

A test casting was made using aluminium scrap and mould preparation using Yola
natural sand. The result showed that the casting had good surface finish and was of good
quality. Plate 1 shows the casting produced using Yola moulding sand mixture.

Plate 1. Test Castings Produced from Aluminium Alloy using Yola Natural Sand

Conclusions

From the results obtained in this study and the analysis of the results, it can be

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concluded that:
ƒ Moisture has a very strong influence on the foundry properties of Yola natural sand.
ƒ For optimum green compression strength the moisture content should be 5%
ƒ For high dry compression strength moisture contents between 5-9% should be used.
Caution should however be taken to allow the moulds to dry properly.
ƒ The permeability of the natural sand increases with moisture content increase before
finally decreasing at saturation point.
ƒ The bulk density decreases as the moisture content increases and at saturation point the
bulk density starts increasing with moisture content.
ƒ The Yola sand mixture with moisture content of 5% produce a quality casting of
aluminium using aluminium alloy scraps.

Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges the management of National Metallurgical Development

Centre, Jos for allowing us to use their equipment. The authors are equally grateful to the
staffs of the foundry shop, Engr. Solaogun, and Engr. Suleiman Mohammed who assisted in
carrying out the various tests. The authors equally appreciate all the corpers attached to the
foundry on industrial training, and research.

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the Study of Clay Bonded Sand Mixtures, The British Foundryman, J. of IBF, 1982, p.
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 Effects of Moisture Content on the Foundry Properties of Yola Natural Sand
Paul Aondona IHOM, Johnson AGUNSOYE, Emmanuel Eric ANBUA, and Joy OGBODO

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