Characterization of river Niger sand at Itobe with Iyoloko clay as a binder for foundry application

This study investigates the characterization of River Niger Silica sand at Itobe with Iyoloko clay as additives for its possible uses in sand casting in the foundries. A measure of 5-25 %wt Iyoloko clay was added to the sand mixture in ratio 3:1. The chemical, physical and mechanical properties measured includes: chemical analysis of the Iyoloko clay, particle size, density, permeability, compatibility, mouldability, moisture content, green compression and shear strength, dry compression and shear strength. The results revealed that, addition of Iyoloko clay to River Niger Silica sand at Itobe, increased the mouldability, grain fineness number (G.F.N), both green and dry strength, slightly decreased the density, permeability and moisture content. These results shows that better properties of foundry sand are achievable by addition of Iyoloko clay to River Niger Silica sand and can be used to enhance the mould properties of foundry sand.