Abstract

BISBAL, Ruth; GOMEZ, Franklin; DI YORIO, Carlo  and  PEREZ, Marcial. Evaluation of the characteristics and properties of foundry of the Olivine Sand, Venezuela (Part I). Rev. Fac. Ing. UCV [online]. 2015, vol.30, n.3, pp.95-110. ISSN 0798-4065.

Sand molds used for producing metal parts by the casting process should possess characteristics and suitable properties in order to ensure work pieces with as less defects as possible. In the industry of metal casting, the sand mostly used worldwide has been silica sand (SiO₂). And this type of sand have been very successful in the manufacture of sand molds. However, in order to evaluate other refractory minerals that could be used as a substitute or supplemental materials for the preparation of molding sands, which meets the requirements of this industry, it has been proposed the use of olivine sand ([(Mg,Fe)2SiO₄]) obtained from deposits located in Venezuela. For this purpose, a detailed study has been projected that includes conducting a series of tests to evaluate this type of sand. The characterization of the olivine sand was performed via granulometric analysis, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDS). A series of tests was also conducted to determine the physical and mechanical properties of molding sand. It was found that the sand grains have angular-subangular morphology, and rough surface. The particle size distribution and morphological characteristics of grains of olivine sand, as well as the properties of molding sands prepared, meet some requirements of national foundry industry.

Keywords : olivine sand; sand mold; properties; foundry; casting.

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