Indicator Wso: A New Parameter for Characterization of Protective Coating Efficiency Against Humidity

This paper discusses the development of Wso, a new indicator for assessing protective coatings' efficiency against humidity. The primary objective is to characterize the degree to which the covering of cores and sand molds impacts humidity absorption from the environment, comparing coated versus uncoated layers under high atmospheric humidity conditions. Methodologically, the study involves the creation of cuboidal elements made from molding sands with various organic and inorganic binders, allowing for a controlled examination of the moisture sorption properties. The results indicate that the Wso indicator effectively determines the efficiency of different coatings in minimizing moisture absorption, providing critical guidelines for selecting appropriate coating types based on mold waiting times and environmental conditions. The findings emphasize the importance of moisture protection in preventing surface defects in casting processes, highlighting a gap in existing literature and the potential for practical applications in foundry practices that prioritize environmental compatibility with water-based coatings. Consequently, this research contributes valuable insights into the relationship between coating applications and moisture control in sand molding, paving the way for improved material selection and process optimization.