Kinetics of gas emission from aluminosilicates used as a relaxing additive for moulding and core sands

The article presents the results of gas emissions generated during heating of mineral additives – aluminosilicates (perlite ore and vermiculite). The test on a laboratory stand for a 1 g sample at 1 000 °C was carried out. It has been shown, that there is a correlation between the degree of fragmentation and the amount of gas generated. The finest fraction of perlite ore caused a similar quantitative gas emission as ground vermiculite. The presence of additives in molding sands, regardless of the size of fraction, should not affect the formation of casting defects. The addition of perlite ore and vermiculite does not effect the ecological properties of moulding sand

Supporting mental health, wellbeing and study skills in Higher Education:an online intervention system

Abstract Background Dealing with psychological and study skill difficulties can present a challenge for both Higher Education (HE) students, who suffer from them, but also for HE Institutions and their support services. Alternative means of support, such as online interventions, have been identified as cost-effective and efficient ways to provide inclusive support to HE students, removing many of the barriers to help-seeking as well as promoting mental health and wellbeing. Case presentation The current case study initially outlines the rigorous approach in the development of one such online intervention system, MePlusMe. It further highlights key features that constitute innovative delivery of evidence-based psychological and educational practice in the areas of mental health, promotion of wellbeing, support of mood and everyday functioning, and study-skills enhancement. Conclusions This case study aims to present the innovative features of MePlusMe in relation to current needs and evidence-basis. Finally, it presents future directions in the evaluation, assessment, and evidence of the fitness-for-purpose process

Assessing fidelity of delivery of smoking cessation behavioural support in practice.

Effectiveness of evidence-based behaviour change interventions is likely to be undermined by failure to deliver interventions as planned. Behavioural support for smoking cessation can be a highly cost-effective, life-saving intervention. However, in practice, outcomes are highly variable. Part of this may be due to variability in fidelity of intervention implementation. To date, there have been no published studies on this. The present study aimed to: evaluate a method for assessing fidelity of behavioural support; assess fidelity of delivery in two English Stop-Smoking Services; and compare the extent of fidelity according to session types, duration, individual practitioners, and component behaviour change techniques (BCTs)

Properties of Bentonites and Bentonite Mixtures used in Casting Processes

In this work, an assessment and comparison of the quality of selected bentonites and bentonite mixtures was made. The samples consisted of available foundry materials used for bonding green sands. Determining the homogeneity degree and specific surface area of the grains allowed us to compare the examined materials and determine their influence on other parameters. On the basis of a thermal analysis of the bentonites or bentonite mixtures, the changes occurring in the sample during its heating were determined. Determining the potential for ion exchange and montmorillonite content enabled us to assess the binding properties of the materials. The preparation of six green sands with different bentonites or bentonite mixtures gave us the opportunity to assess the changes in apparent density, permeability, compressive strength and friability as a function of humidity, and the impact of different materials on the mentioned parameters. Their charts were analyzed, and the molding sand with the addition of bentonite or a bentonite mixture was selected for which these parameters are favorable. On this basis, the best-presented binding material was assessed and selected

Study of Thermal Degradation of Starch-Based Binder by TG-DTG-DSC, Py-GC/MS and DRIFTS

This paper focuses on the thermal behavior of the starch-based binder (Albertine F/1 by Hüttenes-Albertus) used in foundry technology of molding sand. The analysis of the course of decomposition of the starch material under controlled heating in the temperature range of 25- 1100°C was conducted. Thermal analysis methods (TG-DTG-DSC), pyrolysis gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (Py- GC/MS) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRIFT) were used. The application of various methods of thermal analysis and spectroscopic methods allows to verify the binder decomposition process in relation to conditions in the form in both inert and oxidizing atmosphere. It was confirmed that the binder decomposition is a complex multistage process. The identification of CO2 formation at set temperature range indicated the progressive process of decomposition. A qualitative evaluation of pyrolysis products was carried out and the course of structural changes occurring in the presence of oxygen was determined based on thermo-analytical investigations the temperature of the beginning of binder degradation in set condition was determined. It was noticed that, significant intensification of Albertine F/1 sample decomposition with formation of more degradation products took place at temperatures above 550ºC. Aromatic hydrocarbons were identified at 1100ºC

Analysis of Structural Changes in Starch- Aluminosilicate Binder and Molding Sand with its Participation after Physical Curing

The organo-inorganic commercial binder Albertine F/1 (Hüttenes-Albertus) constituting the starch-aluminosilicate mixture was directed to structural studies. The paper presents a detailed structural analysis of the binder before and after exposure to physical curing agents (microwaves, high temperature) based on the results of infrared spectroscopy studies (FTIR). An analysis of structural changes taking place in the binder system with the quartz matrix was also carried out. Based on the course of the obtained IR spectra, it was found that during the exposure on physical agents there are structural changes within the hydroxyl groups in the polymeric starch chains and silanol groups derived from aluminosilicate as well as in the quartz matrix (SiO2). The curing of the molding sand takes place due to the evaporation of the solvent water and the formation of intramolecular and intermolecular cross-linking hydrogen bonds. Type and amount of hydrogen bonds presence in cured molding sand have an impact on selected properties of molding sand. Results indicates that for molding sand with Albertine F/1 during conventional heating a more extensive network of hydrogen bonds is created

Influence of the Atmosphere on the Type of Evolved Gases from Phenolic Binders

The problem of harmful casting resins has been present in foundries for many years. Manufacturers are introducing new products that contain in their composition environmentally and eco-friendly ingredients. Unfortunately, not all types of technology can be used, sometimes environmental benefits are disproportionate to the quality of castings and their price. In the foundry industry, the most popular binders are based on organic compounds (often carcinogenic) and other harmful substances. Due to strict legal regulations regarding environmental protection, as well as care for the foundry's workers' comfort - their occurrence should be reduce to a minimum. These compounds often behave also depending on the conditions of use (temperature, atmosphere). The application of various methods of thermal analysis and spectroscopic methods allows to verify the mechanism of resin decomposition process in relation to conditions in the form in both inert and oxidizing atmosphere. For analysis the resins from cold-box technology, were used TG–DTG–DSC, Py-GC/MS methods and specified the course of changes occurring in combination of different atmosphere