Effectiveness of Protective Action of Coatings from Moisture Sorption into Surface Layer of Sand Moulds

The results of investigations of the sorption process of surface layers of sand moulds covered by zirconium and zirconium - graphite alcohol coatings are presented in the paper. Investigations comprised two kinds of sand grains (silica sand and reclaimed sand) of moulding sand with furan resin. Tests were performed under conditions of a high relative air humidity 75-85% and a constant temperature within the range 28–33°C. To evaluate the effectiveness of coatings protective action from moisture penetration into surface layers of sand moulds gravimetric method of quantitavie moisture sorption and ultrasonic method were applied in measurements. The optimal number and kind of coatings from the viewpoint of protection from moisture sorption were specified for furan moulding sands with quartz sand and reclaimed sand as well. Knowledge of proper coatings selection is important due to protection from high air humidity and its adverse effects. What is more, it can allow to select the proper storage conditions of casting moulds waiting for being poured with liquid metals. This can limit the occurrence of surface defects which are caused by too high humidity of casting moulds, especially in surface layer.