Evaluation of Obudu Beeswax for Lost-Wax Casting Process
Beeswax from Obudu, Nigeria, was evaluated to assess its suitability for the lost-wax casting process. Modulated differential scanning calorimeter showed a melting point of 66.31oC and melting enthalpy165.5J/g. Compression test specimens were subjected to various cooling media in the air, refrigeration (-4oC) and liquid nitrogen (-197oC) to ascertain which condition will provide the best result and most appropriate for processing the wax. Results showed that naturally air-cooled samples had the highest compressive strength of 577.7 kPa and a density of 0.941g/cm3. However, the samples cooled in liquid nitrogen fumes were fast to solidify in 0.5 minutes as compared to 90 minutes for air cooling. These samples were also the easiest to remove from the mold due to very high shrinkage but showed the lowest compression strength of 471.5 kPa. The prototype beeswax ‘Q6’ pattern adhered tenaciously to the refractory slurry, melted at a low temperature, left no remnant residue upon melting out, maintained dimensional accuracy and good replication of intricate details due to the good compressive strength.
