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Trial Number 10

Trial Purpose:

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effectiveness of remaining cleaners on aluminum mirror polish parts using heated ultrasonics.

Date Run:

10/28/2020

Experiment Procedure:

Two solutions were prepared to the following concentrations: Metalnox 6386 100% and SC Aircraft & Metal Cleaner 20%. Solutions were added to a heated ultrasonics bath set to 120°F and allowed to reach the proper temperature. One aluminum mirror polish part pre-soiled with buffing compound was obtained for each of the cleaners being tested. Photos were taken before cleaning and a white glove test was conducted to verify presence of soil. Once solutions reached the proper temperature, parts were submerged into their respective cleaners and heated ultrasonics was conducted for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, parts were submerged into a tap water bath at 120°F for 30 seconds. Parts were then dried with a heat gun and set aside for 24 hours. After 24 hours, observations of cleaning were recorded, post treatment photos were taken, and another white glove test was performed to verify soil removal.

Trial Results:

Cleaner Observations
Metalnox 6386 Solution changed from clear to dark grey (buffing compound being removed) Excellent removal, just some small patches on edges not cleaned, could be due to set up. Time to clean could potentially be shorter. Metalnox did not require the rinse step, it did cause streaking.
SC Aircraft & Metal Cleaner Solution changed from clear to grey (buffing compound being removed) Most soil removed, adding wash step removed discoloration, but streaking present. Increasing concentration of solution could improve soil removal.

Success Rating:

Results successful using TACT (time, agitation, concentration, and temperature, as well as rinsing and drying) and/or other cleaning chemistries examined.

Conclusion:

Both cleaners were effective at removing the buffing compound with heated ultrasonics. Next steps would be to conduct another heated ultrasonics trial checking progress of cleaning at 5 minute intervals to determine time to clean. Additionally, Metalnox cleaned part will not be rinsed in the next trial. Deionized water will be used to eliminate streaking. The concentration of SC Aircraft will be increased to improve performance.

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