| abstract |
A binder is formed by polymerizing or hardening a binding material or composition, an unsaturated polymer or unsaturated monomer or mixtures thereof (polymer solution), wherein at least part of the unsaturation is ethylenic, preferably of vinyl or acrylic type, by free radical polymerization. The free radical polymerization is caused by contacting the unsaturated binding material with a free radical initiator comprising a peroxide and catalytic agent. In the preferred embodiment the binding material is a solution of an ethylenically unsaturated polymer in a solvent of unsaturated monomeric compound or compounds, in which vinyl or acrylic unsaturation is present. The binder is formed upon polymerization which occurs when the unsaturated monomer, polymer or polymer solution is exposed to the free radical initiator. Subjection of the unsaturated monomer, polymer or polymer solution to the initiator begins the formation of free radicals and subsequently the binding composition is polymerized to form the binder. This binder has been found to be especially suitable as a foundry binder of the cold box type wherein a room temperature, rapid gas cure is utilized. The gas, preferably sulfur dioxide, serves as the catalytic agent of the free radical initiator. Cores made using this binder are especially useful in casting aluminum and other lightweight metals because the binder collapses readily after casting of these metals to provide complete shakeout of the core without application of external energy. The binder also has application to make cores used in casting iron. |