EFFECT OF ADDING OF SYNTHETIC BENTONITE CLAY ON MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF RUTBA IRAQI LOCAL MOULDING SANDS

The research studied the effects of adding industrial Iraqi bentonite clay on the mechanical and physical properties of the Iraqi Rutbah sand with a wide range moisture weight ratio ranging from 1.8 - 8.5%. Properties included green shear and compression resistance; permeability, hardness and moisture content. Samples of green sand blocks (standard sample 50 mm x 50 mm) adhered to Iraqi bentonite clay were subjected to test’s properties using crash index and universal strength machines. The results showed that the ability to improve the local sand in the Iraqi Rutbah for the purpose of renewal in the preparation of molds. The results also showed that adding industrial Iraqi bentonite improved the compressive strength of the green sand mold by about 116.2%, and the shear strength by about 37.8%. It also increased the green transmittance by 12.9% and the hardness by about 9.4%.