The high-temperature resistant mechanism of α-starch composite binder for foundry

A new binder composed of α-starch, kaolin, sodium silicate, dextrin, phosphate and water in proportions 2.5–4.0%, 1.5–3.0%, 0.55%, 0.35%, 0.04% and 2.5–3.5% by weight percent respectively has been developed. The high-temperature resistant mechanism of the mold and core sand bonded with α-starch composite binder was studied by way of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses without sand or on a sand base. It is believed that the high-temperature strength of the sand mold or sand core is mainly dependent on the cohesive strength of the adhesive membrane between sand grains. When the binder was heated over 600 °C, the kaolin in it reacted with the sodium silicate and phosphate separately, forming Al–O–Si three-dimensional skeleton and heat-resistant AlPO4, thus, the binder is provided with higher high-temperature resistant strength. This conclusion is also confirmed by the experimental research on the high-temperature mechanical properties of the binder bonded sand and the microstructure observation of the binding film. The research on the high-temperature resistant mechanism of the starch binder bonded sand is helpful to its high-temperature performance optimization and its application in the foundry industry.