Silicate Binders
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Silicate binders, also commonly known as water glass, are probably the oldest core and mould binders used in the foundry industry. The water glass method in combination with CO2 gas or esters as a liquid hardener has been used in iron, steel and non ferrous foundries since the 1950’s, however, the introduction of organic binders in the 1970’s resulted in a marked drop in the demand for silicate binders. More recent health and safety guidelines and increasing environmental legislation has led to a renaissance of this inorganic and odourless class of foundry binding agent.
With the availability of new sand reclaiming techniques, combined with the latest Foseco silicate binder developments, environmental problems in the form of emissions and odours can be drastically reduced. Furthermore, the new silicates enable binder reductions leading to improved break down properties and therefore to better productivity rates.
