Project #1
Explore alternative methods of removing/cleaning-off mold release agent present on cast composite parts.
07/26/2005
Heat sinks for electronics
Small
Less than 1 lb
Oxidation - Air oven at 495 C for 2 hours
Vibratory tumbling in abrasive media - wet detergent.
40000
100-200
Acids; Sulfuric, Nitric Acid, ammonium biflouride; Ivory liquid soap
1-2 minutes ultrasonic with ivory; 1 -2 minutes ultrasonic with acids
Creates acid based aqueous hazardous waste and quite a lot of rinse water
Remove colloidal graphite mold release agent from cast aluminum based parts.
submerged in detergent solution
102 hours
Simply examine parts to check if black graphite has been removed from silver-gray aluminum.
Generate too much aqueous waste - either to hazardous waste drums or to evaporator. Cleaning process often requires 2 cycles.
Several trials were conducted in attempt to identify an alternative cleaner that would work as well as the current three acid mixture. A phosphoric based product was found to work faster and better than the current cleaning process. Piloting of the product was conducted at the lab with client. Future on-site testing will be conducted to verify performance under specific operating conditions.