Ali, H., Gepreel, M. (2022). Limitations and advancements of Sodium Silicate inorganic sand binders; A review. International Journal of Materials Technology and Innovation, 2(2), 47-54. doi: 10.21608/ijmti.2022.168304.1066
Hossameldien Ali; Mohamed Abdel-Hady Gepreel. "Limitations and advancements of Sodium Silicate inorganic sand binders; A review". International Journal of Materials Technology and Innovation, 2, 2, 2022, 47-54. doi: 10.21608/ijmti.2022.168304.1066
Ali, H., Gepreel, M. (2022). 'Limitations and advancements of Sodium Silicate inorganic sand binders; A review', International Journal of Materials Technology and Innovation, 2(2), pp. 47-54. doi: 10.21608/ijmti.2022.168304.1066
Ali, H., Gepreel, M. Limitations and advancements of Sodium Silicate inorganic sand binders; A review. International Journal of Materials Technology and Innovation, 2022; 2(2): 47-54. doi: 10.21608/ijmti.2022.168304.1066
Limitations and advancements of Sodium Silicate inorganic sand binders; A review
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST), New Borg El-Arab City, Alexandria 21934, Egypt
Abstract
The use of Sodium Silicate as an inorganic eco-friendly sand binder is escalating. However, due to the inherent limitations the binder poses, it is not widely industrialized except in certain low-melting alloy casting. Curing performance, thermal stability, and moisture resistance are the main limitations currently addressed. This review aims to understand the fundamentals of these limitations and investigate the solutions proposed by researchers. Then we will analyze the applicability of these solutions in the high-tech area of 3D sand printing. From our analysis, we conclude that the curing mechanism is affected by the nature of the process (physical or chemical curing), the hardeners employed, the SiO2/Na2O molar ratio, and the pH of the medium. The thermal stability is directly affected by the curing mechanism, the morphology and the type of sand particles, and the presence of additives. Finally, moisture resistance is affected by the curing mechanism and is reduced in high-temperature humid environments and enhanced by promoters. Furthermore, the constraints of 3D sand printing concerning the print head and the recoater reduce our freedom in tackling these limitations.