Potential of the Application of the Modified Polysaccharides Water Solutions as Binders of Moulding Sands

K. Kaczmarska, B. Grabowska, D. Drożyński, AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Foundry Engineering, Krakow, Poland The results of preliminary tests of selected properties of the moulding sands with the binder in the form of a 5 % water solution of the sodium salt of carboxymethyl starch (with a degree of substitution (DS) of 0,2 and 0,87) are presented in this study. The moulding sand properties such as permeability, abrasion resistance, tensile and bending strength after curing are shown in series of tests. The cure process was conducted in a field of electromagnetic radiation within the microwave range. The effect of the microwave treatment on the moulding sand was evaporating of water (solvent in a binder) and cross-linking of the polymeric binder. As a result the cured moulding sands with particular properties, essential in the context of its application in the mould technology in the foundry industry, were obtained.