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Trial Number 32

Trial Purpose:

To evaluate the effectiveness of the chemical mixtures SB-11 (46% Ektapro Eep 54% Benzyl Benzoate) and SB-21 (13% Benzyl Alcohol 87% Benzyl Benzoate) at removing different oils from stainless steel coupons.

Date Run:

10/08/2025

Experiment Procedure:

Three stainless steel coupons were used for each of the four contaminants (25% Beeswax 75% Caster Oil, DAW 330B, Cooking Oil, and Vacuum Grease) being tested, for a total of 6 coupons per cleaner. The initial weights of each coupon were recorded. The bottom fourth of every coupon was soiled by applying the contaminant with a swab. The dirty weights of each coupon were then recorded. They were left to dry for a week, and a second set of dirty weights were taken to account for weight changes during extra drying time. The coupons were then subjected to unheated immersion in the cleaners for 10 minutes. After the coupons were cleaned, they were left to air-dry for 48 hours, and then the clean weights of each coupon were taken.

Trial Results:

Cleaner Contaminant Initial wt of cont. Final wt of cont. %Cont Removed Average % Removal Average Cleaner %
SB-11 25% Beeswax, 75% Castor Oil 0.0243 0.03 -23.46 -65.15 -65.55
0.023 0.0356 -54.78
0.0151 0.0328 -117.22
DAW-330B 0.029 0.0401 -38.28 -65.94
0.0149 0.0403 -170.47
0.0595 0.053 10.92
SB-21 Cooking Oil 0.0799 0.0216 72.97 69.21 31.28
0.1256 0.0291 76.83
0.0818 0.0345 57.82
Vacuum Grease 0.1827 0.1979 -8.32 -6.64
0.1787 0.19 -6.32
0.1365 0.1437 -5.27

Contaminant weight after a week dry time

Cleaner Contaminant Initial wt of cont. Final wt of cont. %Cont Removed Average % Removal Average Cleaner %
SB-11 25% Beeswax, 75% Castor Oil 0.0148 0.03 -102.70 -85.16 -190.14
0.0243 0.0356 -46.50
0.0159 0.0328 -106.29
DAW-330B 0.0303 0.0401 -32.34 -295.11
0.0056 0.0403 -619.64
0.0159 0.053 -233.33
SB-21 Cooking Oil 0.0784 0.0216 72.45 68.75 29.99
0.1252 0.0291 76.76
0.0803 0.0345 57.04
Vacuum Grease 0.178 0.1979 -11.18 -8.77
0.1742 0.19 -9.07
0.1355 0.1437 -6.05

Success Rating:

Preliminary compatibility tests on substrate coupons encouraging for at least one cleaning chemistry. More in-depth laboratory testing necessary.

Conclusion:

Overall the cleaners were not effective at removing the contaminants. The extra drying of contaminants had varying effects on weight, with some losing mass and others gaining mass. This confirms the idea that testing should be completed within the same day they are soiled to limit weight fluctuations. Visually, the only cleaner that was able to remove the contaminant was SB-21 with cooking oil, but it was gravimetrically deemed ineffective because the cleaner did not dry properly.

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