Browsing by Author "COKER H.O"

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    Evaluation of UNILORIN Dam Moulding Sand Properties for Foundry Applications
    (Published by the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Federal University of Dustin ma, Kastina, 2026-05-16) AMBALI IBRAHIM OWOLABI; SHUAIB-BABATA Y.L; AJAO K.S; BUSARI Y.O; ARUNA K.O; COKER H.O; NURUDEEN T.A
    The availability of suitable and cost-effective moulding sand within Nigeria is a critical requirement in foundry operations, as sand properties significantly influence casting quality, dimensional accuracy and surface finish. Evaluation of moulding sands properties in Nigeria is key in determining their usefulness for foundry practices. In developing countries, foundries often depend on imported sand due to uncertainty about local materials, with rise in production costs and hindering local industry sustainability. The University of Ilorin Dam may provide a viable source of sand for foundry moulding, but there is insufficient scientific data on its crucial engineering properties that is needed to assess its suitability for metal casting. In this research, the chemical and physico-mechanical properties of Unilorin dam natural moulding sand were evaluated to determine its suitability for foundry operations using America Foundrymen’s Society standards. The experimental results showed that the sand belong to Alumino-silicate group containing silica (58.621%) and alumina (14.074%), with smaller proportions of other alkali elements such as sodium dioxide, potassium dioxide, lime, iron oxide, magnesia and titanium dioxide. The sand exhibited clay content (4.98%), moisture content (0.68%), grain fineness number (63.91), green compressive strength (87.29 KN/m²), dry compressive strength (234.02 KN/m²), specific gravity (2.56), shatter Index (73.03%), bulk density (2306.46 kg/m3), permeability (0.005330 cm/sec) and refractoriness (>510°C). Most of these results were within the AFS standard recommendation values for non-ferrous metal casting. Hence, Unilorin dam natural moulding sand was found suitable as moulding sand for various types of casting of metals like light grey iron, aluminum, bronze, brass. The sand is also suitable for manufacturing of ceramics, refractory products, or possibly as a raw material for pozzolanic materials. Effective utilization of this sand for foundry applications will help to boost the economy of the Nation and subsequently aid in reducing the problem of unemployment
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    Suitability Assessment of the Properties of Agba Dam Moulding Sand for Foundry Applications
    (Published by the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Abuja., 2025-06-08) AMBALI IBRAHIM OWOLABI; SHUAIB-BABATA Y.L; BUSARI Y.O; ARUNA K.O; COKER H.O; NURUDEEN T. A; YARU S.S; AJAO K.S; ADEGBOLA J.O
    Understanding the attributes of moulding sands is essential for foundry efficiency and high-quality cast production, which can be achieved through adequate information on their properties. The lack of comprehensive information about indigenous natural moulding sands has led to suboptimal casting quality and stunted industry growth in Nigeria. This study employed the rigorous standards set forth by the AFS-American Foundry Men's Society to conduct a comprehensive characterization of Agba dam's natural moulding sand samples' chemical and physico-mechanical properties for sand foundry applications. The chemical analysis revealed a composition of 79.771% SiO₂ and 9.383% Al₂O₃, with trace amounts of Na₂O, K₂O, CaO, Fe₂O₃, MgO, and TiO₂, classifying this sand as Alumino-silicate. The evaluation of physico-mechanical properties showed: silt content (5%), moisture content (1.81%), grain fineness number (44.54), green compressive strength (54.54 kN/m²), dry compressive strength (21.60 kN/m²), specific gravity (2.65), shatter index (40.26% green and 50.89% dry), bulk density (2196.24 kg/m³), permeability (0.05595 cm/sec), and refractoriness (>610°C). Most findings met AFS standards for non-ferrous metal casting. Enhancing the sand's performance, particularly in compressive strength, may be achievable through a suitable binder. Thus, this moulding sand is suitable for non-ferrous metal casting, and its effective use could stimulate economic growth and help address unemployment in Nigeria.