Abstract: A binder for the production of sand cores and/or molds for foundries that includes sand mixed with an alkyl silicate, preferably tetraethyl silicate; an aqueous solution of an alkali metal silicate, preferably sodium silicate, which solution also contains an alkali metal hydroxide, preferably sodium hydroxide, where the ingredients in such mixture are preferably in given percentage ranges and are mixed until the sand shows a homogeneous aspect and constitution. Also method of manufacturing sand molds for foundries that includes mixing foundry sand with the aforementioned binder, blowing the sand mixed with the binder, having still between 0.5% to 2.5% of water, into a cold box by means of air that is at room temperature, and once the cold box mold has been filled with the sand, passing a hot air current through the sand to dry and harden the binder thus obtaining the foundry mold.

Abstract: A binder for the production of sand cores and/or molds for foundries that comprises mixing sand with an alkyl silicate, preferably tetraethyl silicate; an aqueous solution of an alkali metal silicate, preferably sodium silicate, which solution also contains an alkali metal hydroxide, preferably sodium hydroxide, is added to the mixture, and finally all of the above is mixed until the sand shows a homogeneous aspect and constitution. Another aspect of the invention comprises a method of manufacturing sand molds for foundries that comprises mixing foundry sand with the present invention binder, blowing the sand mixed with the binder, having still between 0.5% to 2.5% of water, into a cold box by means of air that is at room temperature, and once the cold box mold has been filled with the sand, passing a hot air current through the sand to dry and harden the binder thus obtaining the molds for foundry.

Abstract: A cost-effective starch/water-based binder composition and related method for forming silica sand cores and molds for foundries, wherein the sand grains are pre-coated with starch having additives making the coated sand effective for blowing said cores and molds. One or more additives are included with the starch; preferably sodium tripolyphosphate and -silicon or Silres BS16. The preferred starch is a tapioca starch. The binder of the invention is highly competitive due to its low cost and effectiveness for forming silica-sand cores and molds, being particularly effective for use in aluminum foundries for the automotive industry.