Abstract

Core-binding properties of beniseed and melon oils are hereby characterised with a view to finding alternatives to the imported foundry core oils that deplete Nigeria’s foreign exchange. Clay and sand samples collected from Niger and Plateau states respectively were blended with varying proportions of core-oils in order to assess their functional properties. Baked strength of 3,223.41 kNm^-2 obtained for the oils suggest that the oil samples can be used as substitute for imported core oil. On the basis of ranking according to functional properties, beniseed oil was found to possess more desirable functional properties in terms of bulk density, strength and collapsibility. Practical applications of these core oils reveal that they are suitable for castings of large, medium and small sizes.

Key words: Castings, cavity, collapsibility, fatty-based core oils, permeability.