Abstract: A foundry binder of the water-soluble alkali metal polyacrylate type having additives that include lime is cured by the use of the vapour of a low-boiling point organic ester having not more than three carbon atoms, primarily methyl formate, entrained in a carrier gas, e.g. carbon dioxide or nitrogen.

Abstract: A binder for a foundry core or mould consists of an alkali metal salt of a polybasic organic acid or of a polymerized monobasic organic acid, for example sodium polyacrylate, an alkaline earth metal hydroxide such as calcium hydroxide, one or more polyvalent metal oxides, preferably magnesium oxide, and calcium citrate, together with water. The mixture may also include another polyvalent metal oxide, for example zinc oxide. The inclusion of calcium citrate in the binder composition, particularly in the presence of magnesium oxide, has been found to reduce the problem of `softening back` in which the strength of the core or mould interior deteriorates over storage periods of a few days due to the continued absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in damp conditions.

Abstract: A binder for a foundry mould or core comprises an alkali metal salt of a polyvalent organic acid or a polymerized monovalent organic acid, for example sodium polyacrylate, and an alkaline earth hydroxide such as calcium hydroxide, together with a suitable solvent. Up to 80% of the calcium hydroxide may be replaced by a polyvalent metal oxide or hydroxide. The mixture may include small proportions of other materials, such as aluminum sulphate. It is important that the pH of the organic acid salt solution before mixing with the alkaline earth hydroxide should not be too high and it should preferably be between 5 and 8, in particular between 5.7 and 6.6.

Abstract: A composite article comprising at least two load-bearing members one within the other and having mutually contacting surfaces adapted to generate a restraining force resisting relative axial movement of the members, wherein the members are constructed such that a local reduction in said restraining force takes place as the local tensile stress in the article increases.