Green sand consists of high-quality silica sand, about 10 percent bentonite clay (as the binder), 2 to 5 percent water and about 5 percent sea coal (a carbonaceous mold additive to improve casting finish). The type of metal being cast determines which additives and what gradation of sand is used.
Why it is called green sand?
Green sand molding is a process of making molds with three essential ingredients - Sand, clay and water. It is is called green sand as the mold is used green without drying. If it is dried and used, then it is called dry sand molding.
What is green sand molds?
Green sand. These castings are made using sand molds formed from "wet" sand which contains water and organic bonding compounds, typically referred to as clay. The name "Green Sand" comes from the fact that the sand mold is not "set", it is still in the "green" or uncured state even when the metal is poured in the mould