Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a phenolic novolak resin for a shell mold which is capable of simultaneously solving a problem of gas defect caused by a tar generated at the time of casting and a problem of a casting defect represented by veining. As the phenolic novolak resin in RCS for the shell mold, there is used a copolycondensation resin-type phenolic novolak resin obtained by reacting a phenol and an alkylphenol, with at least one of aldehydes, wherein a ratio of an ortho-bond to a para-bond of a methylene group in the phenolic novolak resin is not less than 1.5, and a fire-resisitant particle is coated with this resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides an epoxy acrylate foundry binder composition having an epoxy resin component (Part 1) and an acrylate component (Part 2) containing about 1% to less than about 6% by weight of a borate ester. The epoxy acrylate binders of the present invention are useful in making foundry cores and molds in that the addition of the borate ester increases hot strength of the binder system. Also provided is a cold-box process for making sand cores and molds using the epoxy acrylate binders cured by sulfur dioxide vapor.

Abstract: A method of forming articles made of an inorganic fiber material using compression molding. In one respect, a method of forming an article, wherein the method includes providing a molding composition comprising inorganic fiber and an inorganic binder, and compression molding the molding composition into the article. In another respect, the method including providing a molding composition comprising inorganic fibers and a binder, and compression molding the molding composition into the article, wherein at least 75% by weight of the molded article is inorganic material. In some embodiments the cured binder is capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 600° F. without significant degradation or deterioration due to heat. Articles made by the use of such methods and a molding composition for use in compression molding an article are also included.

Abstract: This invention relates to foundry binder systems, which will cure in the presence of sulfur dioxide and a free radical initiator, comprising (a) an epoxy resin; (b) an acrylate; (c) an alkyl ester of a fatty acid, wherein the alkyl group of the ester is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having from 4 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably butyl tallate; and (d) an effective amount of a free radical initiator. The foundry binder systems are used for making foundry mixes. The foundry mixes are used to make foundry shapes (such as cores and molds) which are used to make metal castings, particularly ferrous castings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing a casting composition within a sacrificial die; wherein internal features of the sacrificial die provide a replica of a desired casting; wherein the casting composition has a viscosity of about 1 to about 1,000 Pascal-seconds at room temperature when tested at a shear rate of up to 70 seconds?1; reacting the casting composition to form a gel matrix; removing the sacrificial die; extracting a solvent from the gel matrix to form a dried gel; and firing the dried gel to form a ceramic core. Disclosed herein too is a casting composition comprising a monomer and/or a polymer; and a metal and/or ceramic powder; wherein the casting composition has a viscosity of about 1 to about 1,000 Pascal-seconds at room temperature when tested at a shear rate of up to 70 seconds?1 and a flow index of less than 0.6.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a particle comprising a particulate substrate; and a thermoplastic elastomer present on or in the substrate as an amount sufficient to improve the dust suppression of the particle above that which would occur if the thermoplastic elastomer was absent. Disclosed herein is a particle comprising a particulate substrate; and a thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the particle has a compressive strength retention of greater than about 50% as measured by a UCS test and a turbidity of about 10 to 200 NTU after a one hour ball mill test.

Abstract: This invention relates to foundry binder systems, which cure in the presence of sulfur dioxide and an oxidizing agent, comprising (a) an epoxy resin; (b) an ester of a fatty acid; (c) a fluorinated acid, preferably hydrofluoric acid; (d) an effective amount of a oxidizing agent; and (e) no ethylenically unsaturated monomer or polymer. The foundry binder systems are used for making foundry mixes. The foundry mixes are used to make foundry shapes (such as cores and molds) which are used to make metal castings, particularly ferrous castings.

Abstract: This invention relates to foundry binder systems, which will cure in the presence of sulfur dioxide and a free radical initiator, comprising (a) an epoxy resin; (b) an acrylate; (c) an alkyl ester of a fatty acid, wherein the alkyl group of the ester is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having from 4 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably butyl tallate; and (d) an effective amount of a free radical initiator. The foundry binder systems are used for making foundry mixes. The foundry mixes are used to make foundry shapes (such as cores and molds) which are used to make metal castings, particularly ferrous castings.

Abstract: This invention relates to foundry binder systems, which cure in the presence of sulfur dioxide and an oxidizing agent, comprising (a) an epoxy resin; (b) an ester of a fatty acid; (c) an effective amount of a oxidizing agent, and (d) no ethylenically unsaturated monomer or polymer. The foundry binder systems are used for making foundry mixes. The foundry mixes are used to make foundry shapes (such as cores and molds) which are used to make metal castings, particularly ferrous castings.

Abstract: This invention relates to foundry binder systems, which cure in the presence of sulfur dioxide and an oxidizing agent, comprising (a) an epoxy resin; (b) an alkyl silicate; (c) an ester of a fatty acid, (d) an effective amount of a oxidizing agent, and (e) no ethylenically unsaturated monomer or polymer. The foundry binder systems are used for making foundry mixes. The foundry mixes are used to make foundry shapes (such as cores and molds) which are used to make metal castings, particularly ferrous castings.

Abstract: Thermal expansion of sand cores and the formation of vein defects during metal casting operations can be substantially eliminated, with substantially reduced costs, by using an anti-veining material comprising less than about 4% by weight of a lithia-containing material, and at least about 1% by weight of ferric oxide (Fe2O3), said anti-veining material preferably comprising 2.5% Li2O, 10–25% of TiO2, 15–25% Al2O3, 10–25% of Fe3O4, and 60–70% of SiO2 mixed with about 1% by weight of Fe2O3, preferably red iron oxide.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyisocyanate compositions comprising (a) polyisocyanate, and (b) a monomeric carbodiimide. The polyisocyanate compositions are particularly useful in phenolic urethane foundry binder systems. The invention also relates to foundry mixes prepared with (a) a phenolic urethane binder containing the polyisocyanate composition, and (b) a foundry aggregate, as well as foundry shapes prepared by the no-bake and cold-box processes, which are used to make metal castings.

Abstract: Foundry cores and molds for casting metals are prepared by forming a binder comprising a polyol, an isocyanato urethane polymer and a urethane catalyst. The binder additives and resin formulations of the invention are especially useful for casting non-ferrous metals, for example, the casting of aluminum, magnesium and other lightweight metals. The cores and molds produced for casting aluminum and other lightweight metals exhibit excellent shakeout while retaining other desirable core and mold properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of molds or cores (2) for foundry purposes, wherein a mixture (3) of foundry sand and binder are produced and introduced into a mold or core tool (8), e.g. shot in a core shooter. A known binder or magnesium sulfate with and/or without at least one or additionally several crystallization waters is dispersed or dissolved in water and used as binder, which is then mixed with the foundry sand and introduced or shot into the mold tool or the core box (8). For hardening purposes, the water and a fraction of the crystallization water are vaporized by heating and driven out by a gaseous medium, all of which can be carried out very rapidly. After pouring, said core or mold consisting of foundry sand can be very rapidly removed from the tool with water and flushed due to the fact that the magnesium sulfate preserves its capability of dissolving.

Abstract: An improved enhancer formulation for use in forming precision molded articles from a furnace process is disclosed wherein an organometallic zirconia coupling agent is used in conjunction with a polymer in solvent to inhibit the bleed-through of infiltrant metal in a finished part formed in a single-step furnace process.

Abstract: A cold-box process for preparing a foundry shape, e.g. mold or core, that uses a binder comprising a phenolic resin component and an isocyanate component, wherein the phenolic resin component comprises (a) an alkoxy-modified phenolic resole resin and (b) an oxygen-rich polar, organic solvent component, which contains a fatty acid ester.

Abstract: A cold-box process for preparing a foundry shape, e.g. mold or core, that uses a binder comprising a phenolic resin component and an isocyanate component, wherein the phenolic resin component comprises (a) an alkoxy-modified phenolic resole resin and (b) an oxygen-rich polar, organic solvent component, which contains a fatty acid ester.

Abstract: A composite material useful for fabricating useful articles from foundry industry by-products, while reducing environmental and economic burdens associated with current disposal practices in the foundry industry, includes a polymer matrix having foundry waste fines uniformly distributed throughout the matrix. Useful articles that can be fabricated from the composite materials of this invention include various high quality weights and counterweights, vibration dampers, sound absorbers, electrically conductive plastics, electromagnetic impulse shields, static dissipative articles and magnetic articles.

Abstract: A sand casting foundry composition reduces thermal defects that cause veining in metal parts cast from sand casting foundry shapes formed from the foundry composition. A plurality of foundry sand grains are mixed substantially uniformly with a plurality of shale particles, and a curable binder coats the sand grains and the shale particles to establish core and mold foundry shapes used to cast the metal part. Anti-veining capability occurs because the shale particles include mineral components which have an inherent characteristic of crystal structural collapse upon exposure to metallurgical temperatures, and the crystal structural collapse yields space which is consumed by thermal expansion of the sand grains in the foundry composition. This compensatory effect avoids the creation of mechanical forces and stresses within the foundry shape that cause cracks and fissures in the foundry shape that lead to veining.

Abstract: Thermal expansion of sand cores and the formation of vein defects during metal casting operations can be substantially eliminated, with substantially reduced costs, by using an anti-veining material comprising less than about 4% by weight of a lithia-containing material, and at least about 1% by weight of ferric oxide (Fe2O3), said anti-veining material preferably comprising 2.5% LiO, 10-25% of TiO2, 15-25% Al2O3, 10-25% of Fe3O4, and 60-70% of SiO2 mixed with about 1% by weight of Fe2O3, preferably red iron oxide.

Abstract: This invention relates to foundry binder systems, which will cure in the presence of sulfur dioxide and a free radical initiator, comprising (a) an epoxy novolac resin; (b) preferably a bisphenol F; (c) an acrylate; and (d) an effective amount of a free radical initiator. The foundry binder systems are used for making foundry mixes. The foundry mixes are used to make foundry shapes (such as cores and molds) which are used to make metal castings.

Abstract: This invention relates to erosion resistant foundry binder systems, which will cure in the presence of sulfur dioxide and a free radical initiator, comprising (a) an epoxy resin; (b) a multifunctonal acrylate; (c) a phenolic resin that is soluble in (a) and (b); and (d) an effective amount of a free radical initiator. The foundry binder systems are used for making foundry mixes. The foundry mixes are used to make foundry shapes (such as cores and molds) which are used to make metal castings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a binder system comprising a phenolic resin component and an isocyanate component where the phenolic resin component comprises an alkoxy-modified phenolic resole resin such that less than 25 mole percent of the phenolic hydroxyl groups of the phenolic resole resin are etherified by a primary or secondary aliphatic monoalcohol.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydrogenfluorides of aminosilanols and their use. The hydrogenfluorides of aminosilanols are formed by the reaction of an aqueous solution of a fluorinated acid, preferably, hydrofluoric acid, with an aminoalkoxysilane. The hydrogenfluorides of aminosilanols are particularly useful in foundry binders, most particularly no-bake and cold-box phenolic urethane foundry binders.

Abstract: This invention relates to foundry binder systems, which will cure in the presence of sulfur dioxide and a free radical initiator, comprising (a) an aliphatic epoxy resin; (b) a multifunctional acrylate; and (c) an effective amount of a free radical initiator. The foundry binder systems are used for making foundry mixes. The foundry mixes are used to make foundry shapes (such as cores and molds) which are used to make metal castings, particularly aluminum castings.

Abstract: Composite particles made of a binder and filler material are provided for use in subterranean formations. The filler is finely divided mineral and optional fiber. The particles are proppants useful to prop open subterranean formation fractures. The particles are also useful for water filtration and artificial turf for sports fields. Methods of making the composite particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polyurethane-forming no-bake foundry binder comprising a (a) polyether polyol component comprising (1) a polyether polyol, (2) hydrofluoric acid, and (3) an aminoalkoxysilane, (b) a polyisocyanate component, (c) a liquid tertiary amine catalyst component. Foundry mixes are prepared by mixing the binder system with a foundry aggregate by a no-bake process. The resulting foundry shapes are used to cast metal parts from ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Abstract: A method for producing silica sand-based foundry shapes useful in forming metal castings and for reducing veining defects in sand-based foundry shapes by providing a foundry sand, adding an anti-veining composition that comprises bentonite to the foundry sand to form a mineral composition, then adding a foundry resin to the mineral composition to form a sand-based foundry composition and shaping the sand-based foundry composition to form a desired pattern.

Abstract: Binder compositions of the present invention are useful in refractory and foundry applications. The compositions include an aggregate, a liquid resole resin, and a magnesium hardening agent. The compositions are workable and exhibit high compressive strengths in a short period of time. Additionally, the compositions have a low free phenol content and require a reduced resin content as compared to currently known compositions. The compositions reduce the cost to produce useful binders by eliminating, the requirement for ester curing in addition to requiring reduced amounts of resin to obtain adequate compressive strength.

Abstract: This invention relates to foundry binder systems, which will cure in the presence of sulfur dioxide and a free radical initiator, comprising (a) an epoxy resin; (b) an acrylate; (c) an alkyl silicate; and (d) an effective amount of a free radical initiator. The foundry binder systems are used for making foundry mixes. The foundry mixes are used to make foundry shapes (such as cores and molds) which are used to make metal castings, particularly ferrous castings.

Abstract: A method of preparing foundry shapes, e.g. molds and cores, by mixing a foundry aggregate with a foundry binder, shaping the mixture in a pattern, curing the mixture, and removing the mixture from the pattern. The foundry binder is a phenolic urethane binder that utilizes a phenolic resin prepared by reacting a phenol, an aldehyde, bisphenol-A-tar, and a divalent metal catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to an organic foundry binder containing an alkyl resorcinol, or preferably a readily available mixture of alkyl resorcinols, and derivatives thereof. Preferably, the organic foundry binder is a furan binder. Foundry mixes are prepared by mixing the binder with a foundry aggregate. Foundry shapes (molds and cores) are prepared by shaping the mix and allowing it to cure to form a workable foundry shape. The invention also relates to the preparation of metal castings using the foundry shapes and the metal castings prepared with the foundry shapes.

Abstract: A method is provided for compacting metal-based powder compositions containing at least one thermoplastic material at temperatures below the glass transition temperature or melting temperature of the thermoplastic material to form a metal-based component. Preferably, compaction is carried out at temperatures ranging from ambient to about 55° C. The method of the present invention is particularly useful for making magnetic core components. The present invention also provides metal-based powder compositions useful for cold compaction. The metal based powder compositions contain metal-based particles containing no iron phosphate layer; a thermoplastic material selected from polyetherimides, polyphenylene ethers, polyethersulfones, polycarbonates, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol or combinations thereof, and an oligomer of a polyamide.

Abstract: This invention relates to furan no-bake foundry binders comprising (a) furfuryl alcohol and/or a reactive furan resin, (b) an activator selected from the group consisting of resorcinol, resorcinol pitch, and bisphenol A tar (c) a bisphenol compound (d) a polyol selected from the group consisting of polyester polyols, polyether polyols, and mixtures thereof, and preferably (e) a silane. The binders are cured in the presence of the furan curing catalyst. The invention also relates to foundry mixes prepared with the binder, foundry shapes prepared with the foundry mix, and metal castings prepared with the foundry shapes.

Abstract: This invention relates to erosion resistant foundry binder systems, which will cure in the presence of sulfur dioxide and a free radical initiator, comprising (a) an epoxy resin; (b) a multifunctonal acrylate; (c) a phenolic resin that is soluble in (a) and (b); and (d) an effective amount of a free radical initiator. The foundry binder systems are used for making foundry mixes. The foundry mixes are used to make foundry shapes (such as cores and molds) which are used to make metal castings.

Abstract: No-bake foundry binders that produce foundry shapes with improved hot strength are provided. The binder comprises a polyether polyol component, a polyisocyanate component and a catalyst component that promotes the trimerization of polyisocyanates to polyisocyanurates. Supplemental catalysts that promote the reaction of the isocyanate with the polyols may also be used. Foundry mixes are prepared by mixing the binder with a foundry aggregate and making foundry shapes using the no-bake process.

Abstract: A fluid composition additive for foundry casting sands enabling formation of lustrous carbon, including a liquid support and particles of at least one substance other than coal capable of forming lustrous carbon during metal casting.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydrogenfluorides of aminosilanols and their use. The hydrogenfluorides of aminosilanols are formed by the reaction of an aqueous solution of a fluorinated acid, preferably, hydrofluoric acid, with an aminoalkoxysilane. The hydrogenfluorides of aminosilanols are particularly useful in foundry binders, most particularly no-bake and cold-box phenolic urethane foundry binders.

Abstract: Thermal expansion of sand cores and the formation of vein defects during metal casting operations can be substantially eliminated, with substantially reduced costs, by using an anti-veining material comprising less than about 4% by weight of a lithia-containing material, and at least about 1% by weight of ferric oxide (Fe2O3), said anti-veining material preferably comprising about 1% to about 3.5% by weight of a lithia-containing material and about 1% by weight of ferric oxide.

Abstract: Composite particles made of a resin and filler material are provided for use in subterranean formations. The filler is finely divided mineral and optional fiber. The particles are proppants useful to prop open subterranean formation fractures. The particles are also useful for water filtration. Methods of making the composite particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A foundry binder is obtainable by surface modification of a) colloidal inorganic particles with b) one or more silanes of the general formula (I) Rx—Si—A4−x  (I) where the radicals A are identical or different and are hydroxyl groups or groups which can be removed hydrolytically, except methoxy, the radicals R are identical or different and are groups which cannot be removed hydrolytically and x is 0, 1, 2 or 3, where x≧1 in at least 50 mol % of the silanes; under the conditions of the sol-gel process with a below-stoichiometric amount of water, based on the hydrolysable groups which are present, with formation of a nanocomposite sol, and further hydrolysis and condensation of the nanocomposite sol, if desired, before it is brought into contact with the foundry sand.

Abstract: This invention relates to foundry binder compositions that contain a divalent sulfur compound, and/or foundry mixes where the aggregate contains a divalent sulfur compound. The foundry binders and foundry mixes are used to make foundry shapes, e.g. molds and cores. The presence of sulfur in the foundry shape facilitates the removal of foundry shapes (particularly internal cores) from the metal casting which is made by pouring molten metal into a casting assembly in which the foundry shapes are arranged. The invention also relates to a method of preparing foundry shapes, the shapes prepared, a method of making a metal casting, and metal castings by this process.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a foundry binder system that cures in the presence of a volatile amine curing catalyst. The binder system comprises (a) a compound containing at least two active methylene hydrogen atoms, (b) an organic polyisocyanate (c) a reactive unsaturated acrylic monomer and/or polymer, (d) an oxidizing agent, and preferably (e) an epoxy component. The foundry binders are used for making foundry mixes. The foundry mixes are used to make foundry shapes that are used to make metal castings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a refractory granular material composition for a self-hardening molding by acid-hardening, consisting essentially of: a refractory granular material, an acid-hardening resin-containing binder composition, an acid-containing hardener composition, and at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of (1) alcohols, (2) ether alcohols and ester shown below: wherein R1 represents a C4 to C8 straight-chain or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group or a benzyl group; R2 represents a C1 to C10 straight-chain or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group, phenyl group or a benzyl group; R3 represents an ethylene group or a propylene group; n is an integer of 1 to 12; R4 represents, phenyl group or a methyl group; and R5 is a C2 to C6 aliphatic hydrocarbon group or (R3 —O)n R2.

Abstract: Wax compositions that are useful, amongst other things, for forming investment casting patterns are described. One embodiment of the wax composition comprises: (a) pattern wax; and (b) from about 1% to about 85% by weight of a polymeric organic carbonate filler material. Examples of particular polymeric organic carbonate filler materials include, without limitation, polyethylene carbonate, polypropylene carbonate, poly(cyclohexane carbonate), poly(cyclohexane propylene carbonate), and mixtures thereof. Crosslinking the organic portion of the polymeric organic carbonate filler material can substantially reduce its thermal expansion. The wax compositions generally include other materials commonly used to form wax compositions. Such materials include waxes and resinous materials, conventional fillers, ultra-violet curable monomers, plasticizers, lubricants, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solventless polyurethane no-bake foundry binder system comprising, as individual components (a) a polyol component comprising a polyether polyol, glycol, and an aromatic polyester polyol, (b) an organic polyisocyanate component, and (c) a liquid tertiary amine catalyst component. Foundry mixes are prepared by mixing the binder system with a foundry aggregate by a no-bake process. The resulting foundry shapes are used to cast metal parts from ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyurethane-forming foundry binder systems comprising a phenolic resin component and a polyisocyanate component, where the polyisocyanate component contains an ortho ester. The invention also relates to foundry mixes prepared from the binder and an aggregate, as well as foundry shapes prepared by the no-bake and cold-box processes. The foundry shapes are used to make metal castings.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a foundry binder system which cures in the presence of a volatile amine curing catalyst comprising (a) an epoxy resin,(b) an organic polyisocyanate, (c) a reactive unsaturated acrylic monomer or polymer, and (d) an oxidizing agent. The foundry binders are used for making foundry mixes. The foundry mixes are used to make foundry shapes which are used to make metal castings.

Abstract: The metal content of a thermoplastic composition containing an undesirably high concentration of metal can be reduced by adding to 100 parts by weight of the composition at least about 0.3 parts by weight of a chelating agent and sufficient water to chelate metal in the composition to form chelated metal in the composition, and then removing at least some of the chelated metal from the composition.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for improving the tensile strength of foundry cores and molds over what may be conventionally achieved. The use of acidic methylene compounds in binder compositions which include strongly alkaline phenolic resoles results in an ester curable binder that may be used to make foundry cores and molds having significantly greater tensile strengths than are achieved with prior art binders. An embodiment of the present invention provides a composition which includes a phenolic resole having a pH ranging from about 10.5 to about 13.5 and an acidic methylene compound.