Molding sand after becoming old loses its bond or cohesion through the burning of the clay contained in it and its uniformity is destroyed through splitting of the grains. From these two causes, the molding sand becomes “rotten” or deteriorated. The crumbling of the grains can be known from the loss of porosity while the burning of the clay can be known from the decrease in strength. Of the two causes the latter has a greater influence upon the ageing of molding sand.
The mechanical properties of high manganese steels whose chemical composition has been altered in various manners are shown graphically. The larger the amount of manganese, the better becomes the property; the tensile strength being at a maximum at 1.3~1.4% C. However, as concerns elongation and impact resilience about 1.2% C is desirable. Addition of 0.2~0.4% Si has little influence. The smaller the % P, the better; however, in contrast to ordinary steels, the material is not as sensitive to this addition and 0.1% P is allowable.