Abstract: A chemical binder comprising: an ester-based polyol; an isocyanate; and a catalyst capable of catalyzing a reaction between the ester-based polyol and the isocyanate. Preferably, the chemical binder is used in a mouldable mixture comprising a particulate aggregate and the chemical. Such a mouldable mixture would be in, for example, a disposable foundry mould or core. A process for producing a free-standing mould and a process for cast a metal are also described.