Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Which chemical is not typically used as a solvent in coremaking in foundries?

1. Water

2. Acetone

3. Epoxies

4. Alcohol-based solvents

The correct answer is: Epoxies

Coremaking in foundries often involves the use of various solvents to dissolve or mix binders that help form the cores. When considering the options provided, epoxies are primarily used as a type of binder rather than as a solvent. Solvents such as water, acetone, and alcohol-based solvents are commonly employed in the coremaking process to ensure that the sand and binder mixture achieves the desired consistency and properties. Water is often used as a medium to activate certain binders, acetone can effectively dissolve specific materials or clean surfaces, and alcohol-based solvents are used for their quick evaporation properties and ability to effectively dissolve various components. In contrast, epoxies serve a role similar to that of binders in coremaking, providing strength and durability to the cores, rather than acting as solvents to facilitate the mixing or curing process. Therefore, distinguishing between epoxies as binders and the solvents used in the industry highlights why this answer is accurate.