Investigations of Model Multilayer Ceramic Casting Molds in a Raw State by Nondestructive Methods

This article presents the results of research on the use of modern nondestructive methods such as 3D scanning, thermography and computed tomography (CT) to assess the quality of multilayer ceramic molds. Tests were performed on spherical samples of multilayer ceramic molds in the raw state. Samples were made of molding sands composed of quartz and molochite powders, the alcoholic binder hydrolyzed ethyl silicate (ZKE) and an aqueous binder based on colloidal silica. Thickness measurements of spherical forms were made using a 3D scanner. Porosity measurements were made using CT. Additionally, thermography observations of the mold cooling process were made with controlled temperature and humidity. The results of temperature measurements of samples were compared with measurements of thickness and porosity. The practical goal was to determine the possibility of using thermography, 3D scanning and CT as a quick method for detecting mold defects by varying their thickness, porosity and cracks and for final verification of the ceramic molds’ condition before casting.

Modern materials and technologies in the production of artificial casting

The publication highlights the production of artistic castings by investment casting using combined ceramic molds. The features of the application of a refractory coating, duplex curing of ceramic shells, cutting of molds, removal of the model composition, annealing of ceramic molds, pouring and separation of the gating‑feeding system under conditions of mass production are considered. Hydrolyzed ethyl silicate (ETS) and aqueous alkaline silica sol are used as a binder. The hydrolysis is carried out with an acidic catalyst. The strength of forms on an aqueous binder before calcination (bending strength σi) is from 1.5 to 2 MPa. The presented technology allows flexible coverage of the entire range of art products. Castings weighing from 5 to 10 kg can be produced in one batch, which significantly reduces the production cycle.

Polymer Binders: Characterization and Development toward Aqueous Electrode Fabrication for Sustainability

Binders play an important role in electrode processing for energy storage systems. While conventional binders often require hazardous and costly organic solvents, there has been increasing development toward greener and less expensive binders, with a focus on those that can be processed in aqueous conditions. Due to their functional groups, many of these aqueous binders offer further beneficial properties, such as higher adhesion to withstand the large volume changes of several high-capacity electrode materials. In this review, we first discuss the roles of binders in the construction of electrodes, particularly for energy storage systems, summarize typical binder characterization techniques, and then highlight the recent advances on aqueous binder systems, aiming to provide a stepping stone for the development of polymer binders with better sustainability and improved functionalities.