Modeling and Optimization of Properties of the Environmentally Clean Molds Based on Oligofurfuryloxysiloxanes for the Production the Metal Castings

Abstract

This article is devoted to modeling, researching and optimizing the main properties of an environmentally clean polymer composition based on oligofurfuryloxysiloxanes (OFOS), which can be used to produce casting molds and cores in the production of castings from ferrous and nonferrous metals. Polymer compositions were examined for strength, survivability, gas permeability, moisture, crumbliness, fire resistance, knockout, and stickability. It has been established that the increase in the strength of the polymer composition over time obeys an exponential law. Mathematical equations were derived for all the exponential curves. The indications of compressive strength of the polymer composition with OFOS with all the acid catalysts used were, on average, as follows: after 1 h—1.3–1.54 MPa; after 3 h—2.5–2.9 MPa; after 24 h—4.9–6.1 MPa, which meets the requirements for casting molds before pouring with metal. The use of polymer compositions with OFOS ensures environmental safety of the technological process, due to the lack of emission of toxic substances, both in the “cold” stage of the process and during casting with molten metal, cooling, knocking out, and disposal of polymer compositions. This makes it possible to save energy resources, and thereby reduce the total cost of the entire technological process and castings.