A carbon-containing additive is, as a rule, added to the bentonite-bonded molding sands in order to reduce oxidation, minimize sand adhesion to the casting at shakeout, enhance casting surfaces and combat the occurrence of casting defects. At the same time the optimizing molding sand properties and performance.
In the field of lustrous carbon formers, Imerys Metalcasting Solutions offer proven, sophisticated products that have been continuously improved and developed, based on many years of experience in combination with a program of careful, multi-faceted research. Development which has been in place since the company was founded in 1964. Our additives produce brilliant results and have long delighted our customers around the world.
Lustrous carbon formers are essentially organic in nature. They contain H – C compounds that volatilize under the effect of the casting temperature. The gaseous atmosphere produced is supersaturated with carbon and exerts a reducing effect, preventing oxidation defects such as Burnt-on sand, Graphite degeneration and other Chemical reactions. C supersaturation ultimately becomes so extensive that pyrolytic carbon in the form of lustrous carbon precipitates directly onto the mold surface at elevated temperatures. The degree of supersaturation in the mold atmosphere depends on the composition [Z] of the lustrous carbon former (C-H-O ratio), the carbon concentration [K] and the temperature [T] (LC =f[Z,K,T]).
The precipitation of lustrous carbon onto the hot mold wall reduces chemical reactions and the degree to which the mold face can be wetted by the molten metal. The gases produced influence the impact of the liquid metal against the mold material providing a so-called “cushioning effect” protecting the casting. The presence of lustrous carbon ensures good casting “peel” with excellent molding sand/casting separation at shakeout with optimum collapsibility and disintegration of the mold minimizing sand losses.

At high temperatures the lustrous carbon former itself becomes plastic and swells minimizing compressive stresses produced inside the mold due to the thermal expansion of silica. Swelling and the formation of carbon residues, help to stabilize moisture. Classic casting defects such as erosion, penetration and surfa
Good reasons for using Imerys LC formers:
- Reduction in the wettability of the mold surface through the formation of a reducing gaseous hydrocarbon atmosphere
- Absorption of compressive stresses produced within the mold during casting
- Reduced environmental burden with organic crack emissions minimized due to a low consumption of additives
- Maximum recyclability through improved mold collapse and sand/casting separation at shakeout
We have the right LC formers for every application.
Product brochures
Technical Literature
Glanzkohlenstoffträger im Grünsand – Quo Vadis DE
Maßgefertigte Glanzkohlenstoffbildner für den Eisenguss DE
Neue Erkenntnisse ueber die Wechselwirkungen zwischen GK-Bildnern und Bentoniten DE
Reducing Seacoal in Practice EN
Metalcasting Additives
CONTACT US
Want to know more about our products, please contact us.