New binding agents from biopolymers

In response to the growing concern about the effects of fossil fuels and phenol-based petrochemical products on the environment, Foseco from Borken has in the past dedicated much time to researching renewable alternatives to organic, phenol-based binding agents.

The company views biopolymers as a possible solution. These have many of the properties necessary for use as binding agents in a foundry, but can be produced from renewable raw materials. As a side product of the pulp and paper industry, lignin for example is a plausible alternative, as it is treated as a promising substitute for phenol.

At this year’s GIFA, Foseco will present a recently developed binding agent for foundries which is based on biopolymers and utilises the companies proven ECOLOTEC concept. Cores that are manufactured with this binding agent boast an excellent firmness, high dimensional accuracy and excellent surfaces. Foseco adds that these cast parts produced with these cores are without faults and adhere to the specified dimensions, while the surface quality at least meets that of conventionally produced cast parts with cores made of fossil raw materials.