EVALUATION OF THE TENSILE STRENGTH AND HARDNESS OF ALUMINIUM CASTS MADE FROM IKPOBA AND OGBA RIVER GREEN SANDMOLD

ABSTRACT

The mechanical qualities of aluminium casts produced from green sand molds varies based on characteristics such as grain size, permeability and chemical compositions of the sand used in molding the core. Green sand has a wide application in diverse foundry industries due to its production simplicity and cost effectiveness. This study investigates the mechanical properties, specifically tensile strength and hardness, of aluminium casts manufactured from greens and mold produced with sand collected from two different locations within Benin City; Ogba and Ikpoba rivers. The study is aimed at studying the viability of these locally sourced sand in making sand molds for diverse casting applications within the metropolis thereby enhancing the local casting industries within Edo state. Sand sample collected from the two locations in addition with bentonite and cola dusts was used to prepare green sand molds, aluminium scraps were locally sourced and melted to produce aluminium casts using the same casting parameters. The aluminium cast were left to cool and solidify after which the aluminum cast samples for both locations green sand mold was taken to the laboratory for mechanical testing. Subsequently, tensile and hardness test was conducted on both samples to determine the tensile strength and hardness values. The mechanical test results for both samples were then compared and analyzed. Aluminum cast produced using green sand molds gotten from Ogba had an average percentage elongation of 4.53%, average percentage reduction of 5.59%, average ultimate tensile strengthof134, average Brinell hardness number of 42. 17 as against aluminium cast produced from green sand molds gotten from Ikpoba had an average percentage elongation of 4.71%, average percentage reduction of 5.27%, average ultimate tensile strength of 134, average Brinell hardness number of 38.47. This comparison shows that Aluminium cast produced from Ogba has higher ultimate tensile strength and hardness number than Aluminum cast produced fromIkpoba.