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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #163569
Title: PYROLYSIS OF FOUNDRY SAND RESINS: A PRELIMINARY DETERMINATION OF ORGANIC PRODUCTS BY MASS SPECTROMETRY

Author
item Dungan, Robert - Rob
item Reeves Iii, James
item Francis, Barry

Submitted to: BARC Poster Day
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/27/2004
Publication Date: 4/27/2004
Citation: Dungan, R.S., Reeves III, J.B., Francis, B.A. 2004. Pyrolysis of foundry sand resins: a preliminary determination of organic products by mass spectrometry [abstract]. BARC Poster Day.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) was used to identify the major organic products produced by pyrolysis of three foundry sand resins: 1) Phenolic Urethane Cold-Box, 2) Novolac (both phenol-formaldehyde based resins), and 3) Furan Warm-Box (furfuryl alcohol based resin). These resins are used in the metal casting industry as a 'sand binder' for making cores (used to produce cavities in molds) and molds for non-ferrous castings. During the casting process, the cores and molds are subjected to intense heat from the molten metal, which can reach temperatures as high as 1400oC. As a result, the organic resins undergo thermal degradation and produce a number of complex organic compounds that can be found in the spent foundry sands. Some of the organics tentatively identified by MS in the pyrolysates (after pyrolysis at 750oC) were o- and p-cresol, dimethylphenol, dimethylbenzaldehyde, isopropyl methylbenzene, phenol, trimethylphenol, 9H-xanthene, and o-xylene. Because there is interest in beneficially reusing spent foundry sands in manufactured soils and other agricultural products, it is necessary that these organic products be identified to ensure environmental protection.