Melting Wax Research Articles

Solar Beeswax Rendering and Hints for Exhibiting Wax Blocks

The article discusses the efficiency of solar wax extractors for beeswax rendering and offers advice on constructing and using them. It outlines the basic design of a solar wax extractor, where wax and old comb are placed on a slanted tray inside a covered box, allowing the wax to melt and collect in a pan when exposed to sunlight. The piece provides a suggested plan for building such an extractor and emphasizes the importance of making it bee-tight to prevent bees from being attracted to the melting wax. Additionally, it highlights the criteria for judging rendered wax in honey shows, such as color, cleanliness, uniformity, and freedom from cracking. The article suggests methods for purifying the wax by allowing foreign materials to settle and scraping them off the bottom of the hardened wax cake. It also advises on minimizing crack formation in the final wax block by cooling it slowly in a preferred mold with slanted sides, like a bread pan. Lastly, it warns against touching the wax block before submission and suggests wrapping it in plastic for protection.

Thermoresponsive Behavior of Binary Waxes

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the thermoresponsive behavior of two different binary wax compositions of commercially available natural candles. The chemical nature of carbon bonds in the fatty acid chains of the natural wax component effectuate a different hygroscopic behavior, as confirmed by NMR analysis. The phase transitions of polymorphic stearin‐rapeseed and stearin‐coconut wax composites were tracked by DSC‐TGA and VT‐XRD. The reduction in the eutectic temperatures of wax composites during the second heating cycles of DSC measurements was correlated with the length of fatty acid chains in rapeseed and coconut waxes, as well as their co‐crystallization kinetics with stearin. Mechanical and hygroscopic behavior of the binary waxes were examined at elevated temperatures between 23 °C and 45 °C using QCM‐D. Voigt viscoelastic model was employed to reveal the soft and rigid textures of wax composites. The hydrophilic behavior of the rapeseed wax composite changed to hydrophobic when the co‐crystallized and individual stearin melted above 35 °C. Activation energies required for melting wax crystals were calculated to be 51±3 kJ mol−1 for pure rapeseed wax, 373 kJ mol−1 for co‐crystallized rapeseed and stearin waxes, and 244 kJ mol−1 for co‐crystallized coconut and stearin waxes, using Arrhenius method with the QCM‐D data.

Complementary Role of Skeletal Scintigraphy in a Case of Polyostotic Melorheostosis

Melorheostosis is an atypical sclerosing bone dysplasia also known as "candle bone disease," "melting wax syndrome," or "Leri disease," with an incidence rate of less than one in every million. The diagnosis is usually made by the radiographic appearance of "dripping candle wax" on the affected bone cortex. We describe the case of a 35-year-old male patient who presented with a long history of different joint swelling, notably in the small joints of the right hand, left foot, and ankle. He was thoroughly investigated to rule out all other possible causes of swelling before being diagnosed with melorheostosis with osteopoikilosis based on radiological patterns. The patient was referred to our institute for a bone scan, which not only showed correlation with X-ray findings but also revealed involvement of the axial skeleton, which is a rare incidence in this disorder. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 25(2): 147-150, 2022

Marginal Misfit of 3D-Printed (Selective Laser Sintered), CAD-CAM and Lost Wax Technique Cobalt Chromium Copings with Shoulder and Chamfer Finish Lines: An In-Vitro Study.

Background and Objectives: The aim was to compare the Misfit of 3D-Printed, Selective laser melting (SLM), milled (Computer aided design-Computer aided manufacture CAD-CAM) and Lost wax technique (LWT) fabricated Cobalt chromium (CoCr) alloy copings on shoulder (SH), radial shoulder (R-SH) and chamfer (CH) finish line configuration. Materials and Methods: Ninety resin, second maxillary premolar teeth were prepared for metal-ceramic crowns, equally divided into (n = 30) SH, R-SH and CH margin preparations. For each preparation design (SH, R-SH and CH), CoCr copings were prepared using SLM, CAD-CAM and LWT. This resulted in nine study groups with 10 CoCr copings each. The marginal misfit of specimens was assessed with a high-resolution digital microscope. Misfit was evaluated in vertical and horizontal dimensions in μm. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and a post hoc multiple comparisons test. Results: For vertical misfit, the highest was observed in SLM samples with chamfer margin (167.96 ± 24.1), and the least was shown by CAD-CAM samples with radial shoulder (58.8 ± 12.53). CAD-CAM and shoulder margins showed the least vertical misfit. For horizontal misfit, the maximum was observed in SLM samples with shoulder margin (137.94 ± 37.85) and the least by LWT samples with chamfer (89.38 ± 14.81). Chamfer margins and LWT samples showed the least horizontal misfit among the group samples. Fabrication technique and finish line design play a critical role in reducing the marginal misfit of CoCr copings. Conclusions: For vertical misfit, SLM copings showed poor outcomes compared to CAD-CAM specimens, however comparable outcomes to Cast specimens. SLM copings showed comparable horizontal misfit outcomes to CAD-CAM specimens and low misfit compared to Cast copings, respectively. Vertical misfit was low with shoulder margins, and horizontal misfit was better with chamfer marginal configuration.

Performance Mapping toward Optimal Addition Levels and Processing Conditions for Different Types of Hydrocarbon Waxes Typically Used as External Lubricants in Sn-Stabilized PVC Pipe Formulations.

The mechanism of performance of hydrocarbon waxes used as external lubricants in typical PVC pipe formulations is not completely understood or defined. This study will benefit pipe manufacturers to tailor PVC processing conditions and wax addition levels to enhance the value of waxes with different molecular architectures in Sn-stabilized PVC formulations. A selection of waxes was comprehensively analyzed to understand how their structural and morphological differences impact the fusion behavior of a Sn-stabilized PVC compound. Results showed a high probability of fusion for waxes with melting points between 65 and 80 °C and a kinematic viscosity (at 135 °C) of less than 5 cSt across all experimental temperatures and concentration levels tested. The general probability of fusion increased with increasing temperature and decreasing wax concentration. Wax compositional differences only had a large impact on PVC fusion at lower experimental temperatures and high wax concentrations. The stable time and onset of degradation were found to be sensitive to experimental temperature but less so to wax concentration. High melting waxes had the lowest fusion torque but a narrow operating window in terms of concentration and temperature for a successful fusion to occur. Overall, fully refined paraffin waxes had the widest operating window and were less sensitive to a change in the wax concentration and experimental temperature than the rest of the waxes that were tested.

A comprehensive investigation into the structure-property relationship of wax and how it influences the properties of hot melt adhesives

A detailed study was conducted on seven different waxes used in hot melt adhesive formulations together with conventional resins and tackifiers, to characterize the waxes and investigate the effects of wax structure and morphology on the thermal behaviour and basic properties of the resultant hot melt adhesive formulations (HMAs). The waxes selected included representatives of each of the following types: Fischer-Tropsch wax (FT), fully refined paraffin wax (FRP), by-product polyethylene wax (BPPE), microcrystalline wax (microwax), alpha-olefin wax (AO), carnauba wax and first intention polyethylene wax (FIPE). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), high temperature size exclusion chromatography (HT-SEC), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used as analytical tools to characterize the waxes. Molecular chain architecture as determined by solution 13C NMR highlighted the superior chain linearity of FT wax. Methyl, ethyl and butyl short chain branching were detected in other waxes. Solid-state 13C CP-MAS NMR provided information on the semi-crystalline nature of the waxes. FIPE, AO and Microwax showed significant structural mobility at room temperature as observed by 1H Wideline NMR and was attributed to chain branching and mobile crystalline domains respectively. This was supported by CLSM micrographs. All waxes enhanced crystallinity in both metallocene catalysed polyethylene (mPE) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) based HMAs. This was confirmed by the characteristic splitting in FTIR bands and increased DSC enthalpies observed for the HMA relative to the neat polymers. Of the formulations containing high melting waxes, FT wax resulted in HMAs with narrower crystallization profiles, an important factor in determining HMA set times. HMA viscosities were found to be dependent on the molecular weight of the wax while the HMA melting temperatures and enthalpies were more dependent on the crystalline morphology of the waxes.

Roll-to-roll wax transfer for rapid and batch fabrication of paper-based microfluidics

This study proposed a novel method for the rapid fabrication of paper-based microfluidic devices using a roll-to-roll wax transfer method. In this approach, a custom-made device was designed and fabricated for the direct roll-to-roll wax transfer from commercially available wax ribbon to the surface of paper substrate. After wax transfer, a thermal reflow process was conducted to enable the melt wax penetration through the whole thickness of the hydrophilic paper substrate to form hydrophobic wax barriers. Compared with the conventional approaches for paper-based microfluidics (wax printing, photolithography, and inkjet printing), the proposed fabrication technique for paper-based microfluidic devices is suitable for the batch fabrication of paper-based microfluidic chips at high production speed. Additional advantages including simple fabrication process, low material and fabrication cost, low-energy consumption, and without the requirement of cleanroom environment or facilities. The paper-based microfluidics fabricated with the proposed roll-to-roll wax transfer method is widely adaptable for microfluidic applications in biological and chemical fields.

Production of candle using solar thermal technology

A beautiful method based on solar energy to heat and melts the paraffin or bees wax has been developed to manufacture the candles by a linear fresnel reflecting solar concentrating collector and a bucket. The solar method has several advantages over the conventional candle making methods. This process is likely to generate the employment particularly in the rural complex areas in Bangladesh. This paper reports a few modifications made on the solar system to enhance the daily candle production. Candles are used by all section of the society for various purposes. Candles are made from paraffin or bees wax which is heated by Fresnel reflecting concentrating collector and method to make candles. A few other materials are also added to make good quality of candles. So far the older methods based on conventional fuels are in practice for candle production. These old manual methods are troublesome, unhygienic and needs continuous attendance and care during the melting of wax besides having other drawbacks. To overcome these drawbacks, a completely new system for candle production has been developed at Solar Energy Research Centre, Department of Physics, Jagannath University, Dhaka in Bangladesh. This system is based on solar energy which accumulates sufficient solar heat by Fresnel reflecting solar concentrating collector to melt wax for making candles. The new solar system, besides saving the fuels, has several advantages over the conventional candle making methods and also obviates the continuous attendance during wax melting. The reports about the solar system and there after the few modifications made over it to improve the candle production. It is shown that in the semi-cloudy day the efficiency of the solar candle production machine is 41.52% and 59.75% for single glazed and double glazed respectively. In the clear day the efficiency of the solar candle machine is 43.135% and 63.775% for single glazed and double glazed system respectively.

An Experimental Study on the Effects of a Film Cooling Configuration and Mainstream Temperature on Depositing

The effects of a film cooling configuration and mainstream temperature on the depositing of particles are experimentally studied by using plate models. The particles are generated by melting wax and atomizing it. One model has a film cooling configuration and the other does not. The experimental results show that the film cooling configuration does not influence the depositing on the leading edge of the model very significantly. However, the film cooling configuration could increase the depositing on the upper surface of the model dramatically since the flow structure on the upper surface is changed due to the film cooling configuration. The effect of the mainstream temperature on the depositing is studied by using the model with film cooling configuration. The lower and higher mainstream temperature both could reduce the depositing. However, the mechanisms are different. The lower mainstream temperature could make more molten particles become solid particles, which could rebound from the surface of the model, reducing the depositing. The higher mainstream temperature could make all particles remain molten with higher temperature. In this case, more particles could splash from the surface of the model. Therefore, there may be a mainstream temperature at which the depositing mass is maximum.

Development of fabric-based microfluidic devices by wax printing

Fabric has emerged as an alternative to paper for the fabrication of microfluidic devices. Fabric could be easily manufactured using various natural and synthetic materials that contain a wide variety of functional groups, which can participate in binding to different types of molecules without further functionalization. To allow a rapid fabrication of more sophisticated fabric-based devices, we demonstrate that a commercial wax printer can be used to print 2D and 3D devices on fabric, followed by melting wax into fabric with heat treatment. The heating temperature and time were optimized to create the devices. The relationship between the width of the originally printed lines and the formed hydrophobic barriers was also investigated. The developed microfluidic fabric-based analytical devices show great potentials for real-life applications using colorimetric assay.

Polyostotic Melorheostosis: Approach to Clinical Evaluation and Management

Melorheostosis is a rare form of sclerosing bone dysplasia that involves mainly the long bone of the limbs. However, the involvement of more than one long bone, either involving ipsilaterally or contralaterally, is extremely rare. The aetiology still remains unknown despite approximately 400 cases have been reported in the literature up to date. Diagnosis is mainly by conventional radiographic imaging such as plain X-ray, in which the typical melting wax dripping down a candle appearance is seen. The main treatment options are conservative management involving mainly analgesias, physiotherapy, braces, and possible nerve block and symphathectomies if indicated. The aim of this case report is to discuss the approach to a case of melorheostosis involving two long bones of the ipsilateral lower limb (polyostotic) that presented to us in our centre. Appropriate investigations and treatment modalities must be tailored according to the patient’s complaints in order to achieve satisfactory treatment outcomes. With adequate analgesia complimenting with appropriate physiotherapy and rehabilitation, our patient’s symptoms improved dramatically.

Crystallization and Gelation Behavior of Low- and High Melting Waxes in Rice Bran Oil: a Case-Study on Berry Wax and Sunflower Wax

Low-melting berry wax (BEW) has proven to be a good oil gelator with a positive contribution to the consistency and flexibility of the structured oil. Nevertheless, the properties of BEW and the corresponding oleogel have not yet been investigated in-depth. In this research, the difference in crystallization and gelling behavior between sunflower wax (SW), a high melting wax, and BEW, a low-melting wax, in rice bran oil (RBO) was investigated. The difference in melting and crystallization temperatures can be explained by the different chemical composition (long-chain wax esters in SW and short-chain fatty acids in BEW). The heterogeneity in crystal habits (unidirectional platelets versus microcrystalline particles) and polymorphism (orthorhombic versus hexagonal) are responsible for the varying gel strength and hardness of the respective SW- and BEW-oleogels. The microcrystalline BEW particles aligned and reorganized during 1-month storage at 5 °C, which leaded to an increase in the gel strength and hardness of BEW-oleogel. The gelling property of SW-oleogel however did not significantly differ after 4 weeks at 5 °C, despite of the appearance of spherulitic crystalline clusters. The changes in the physical properties of wax-based oleogels during storage time were further explored using differential scanning calorimetry, polarized light microscope, powder X-ray diffraction and rheology.

Physical characterization of crystalline networks formed by binary blends of waxes in soybean oil

The objective of this study is to analyze the physical properties of 2.5% (wt. basis) binary wax in soybean oil (SBO) system. Differential scanning calorimetry, pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance, rheology, and polarized light microscopy were used to measure melting profiles, solid fat content, viscoelastic parameters, and crystal morphology, respectively. Binary blends were prepared using beeswax (BW), rice bran wax (RBW), and sunflower wax (SFW) in 0, 20, 50, 80 and 100% proportions. Melting behavior of binary waxes was significantly affected by the type and proportion of wax used. Melting Ton and Tp for RBW/SFW and RBW/BW blends were significantly higher than those observed for SFW/BW. Enthalpy values suggest that different molecules present in the wax affect intermolecular interactions in the binary blends by either inducing (SFW/BW) or delaying (RBW/BW) crystallization. Iso-solid diagrams show that there is certainly a softening effect when different proportions of RBW/BW and SFW/BW are used, while a solid solution is formed in RBW/SFW systems. Viscoelastic parameters (G′, G″) results show that RBW has the highest G′ value (3.1×104±1×103Pa) followed by SFW (2.7×104±0.2×104Pa) and BW having the lowest (90.7±74.4Pa). Higher G′ values in all proportions of RBW/SFW binary system in SBO indicate significantly more solid-like behavior than any other combinations. However, blending of two different waxes does not necessary result in a linear increase in elastic properties and in some cases no changes in elasticity is observed as the amount of the high melting wax is added to the low melting one.

An experimental investigation of a v-corrugated absorber single-basin solar still using PCM

In this paper, a new design of a v-corrugated absorber solar still with built-in phase change material (PCM) is presented. This design allows for the expansion of melting wax through a net of tubes extended inside the storage tank. The system is tested with and without the PCM using different water masses. Adding wick over the corrugated plate using PCM is also investigated. Paraffin wax is chosen as a PCM due to its medium storage, safety, reliability, uniform melting and moderate cost. The experimental investigation shows that the solar still with using the PCM beneath the corrugated plate with less basin water mass achieves the best thermal performance among other studied configurations. Using the PCM causes a little decrease in the daylight productivity with a considerable increase in the still overnight productivity. The daily productivity of the still with the PCM when mw=25kg is 12% and 11.7% better than those for the v-corrugated still without the PCM and with the PCM using wick, respectively. Cost analysis is also performed where the cost per liter (CPL) for the still without PCM, with PCM and with PCM using wick are estimated as 0.07182, 0.08369 and 0.09558 $/l, respectively.

Towards novel adsorptive nanomaterials: Synthesis of Co2+Mo6+ LDH for sulfur and aromatic removal from crude petrolatum

In the present work Co/Mo(CO3)2−-LDH material of highly energetic surface was prepared by controlled titration of ammonium carbonate and ammonium hydroxide against Co and Mo cations at elevated temperatures, while different analytical techniques were applied to proof the chemical constitution and surface features of the material as XPS (X-ray Photoelectric Spectroscopy) in addition to XRF metal analysis, FT-IR, SEM, XRD, DSC-TGA and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm. The highly energetic surface due to formation of 4+ surface charge in the brucite layer between Co and Mo as confirmed by XPS was practically ensured when the freshly prepared Co2+Mo6+-LDH dried at 60°C overnight without any activation has been applied as a novel adsorbent for the removal of the undesirable compounds (sulfur and aromatics compounds) from crude waxes. Suez crude petrolatum has been used during this study. Depending on the experimental data, we were successful to prepare a new type of LDHs showed high ability for removing the undesirable compounds (sulfur and aromatics) from Suez crude petrolatum. Also, in the same trend it removed low melting waxes. This leads to isolation of microcrystalline waxes from petroleum wastes which used as a lubricant, rust preventive, in the manufacture of cosmetics, and in medicine as a protective dressing, emollient, and in a lot of industrial applications.

Separation of boron from borated paraffin wax by pyrohydrolysis and alkali extraction methods and its determination using ion chromatography.

A method based on the pyrohydrolysis extraction of boron and its quantification with ion chromatography was proposed for paraffin waxes borated with H3BO3 and B4C. The optimum pyrohydrolysis conditions were identified. Wax samples were mixed with U3O8, which prevents the sample from flare up, and also accelerates the extraction of boron. Pyrohydrolysis was carried out with moist O2 at 950°C for 60 and 90 min for wax with H3BO3 and wax with B4C, respectively. Two simple methods of separation based on alkali extraction and melting wax in alkali were also developed exclusively for wax with H3BO3. In all the separations, the recovery of B was above 98%. During IC separation, B was separated as boron-mannitol anion complex. Linear calibration was obtained it between 0.1 and 50 ppm of B, and LOD was calculated as 5 ppb (S/N = 3). The reproducibility was better than 5% (RSD).

Evaluation of some physical properties of prepared molding wax in comparison to commercial available wax

Aims: to evaluate the some physical properties (melting range, hardness and thermal expansion) of two prepared mixtures wax contain paraffin oil in comparison with commercial type wax. Materials and Methods: Two mixtures of experimental modeling wax were prepared, mixture No.1 (M1) and mixture No.2 (M2). These two mixtures underwent three physical tests in compare to commercial modeling wax which is a control group, these tests are: 1- Melting range test, 5 capillary tubes were sealed and filled with all type of wax and placed inside electro thermal melting point apparatus.The start of melting wax considered the beginning melting point and when the wax completely became fluid, it is considered the ending melting point. 2 Needle penetration test (hardness test), 5 cylindrical shape samples for each type of wax were prepared and tested for hardness by standard vicate apparatus. 3- Linear thermal expansion, for each type of wax, 5 samples were prepared in a mold , the samples were heated to 25 C° and 40 C° and the distance between reference marks at the lower temperature and the change in length on heating to higher temperature is determined by electronic digital caliper and thermal expansion is calculated as percentage of the total length of sample. Results: Statistical analysis of melting range test showed a significant difference between tested groups in both minimum and maximum melting point. M1 had the higher mean in minimum and maximum melting point. Hardness test analysis showed a significant difference between tested groups, higher mean of hardness was observed in M2, M1 and control group respectively. ANOVA of linear thermal expansion showed a significant difference between groups at 25 C° and at 40 C°. The control group of wax observed the highest mean of thermal expansion at 25 C° and 40 C° than the other two types of wax.Conclusion: The modification of dental wax improved some of the physical properties than commercial one.

Temperature moderation in a multistorey building by melting of a phase-change material

Abstract The current numerical study focuses on the feasibility of furnishing thermal comfort in a structure, by using paraffin wax stored on a plate below the ceiling in a multi-storey building. The method is aimed to reduce energy demands at the increasing thermal loads. In summer, in daytime, walls of the building are exposed to the ambient thermal load, and heat transferred inside is absorbed by the melting wax. The study is numerical. It relates to temperature variations outside and inside, coupled with heat conduction and accumulation in walls, with radiation between the surfaces, with natural convection of air inside and melting of the wax at the ceiling. Fins spacing on the storage plate, visualization of the melting process, and its parametric investigation provide an insight into the physical phenomena. Temperature and flow fields were investigated for 3 mm and 12 mm thick layers of wax. At the specified conditions of the present study a 3 mm layer provides thermal comfort for most of the day, while a 6 mm layer may suffice for the entire day. Fluent 6.3 software was used in the computations.

Melorheostosis of the Left Upper Limp

Melorheostosis, also known as Leri disease or flowing periosteal hyperostosis, is a rare, non-hereditary, benign, skle-rosing bone dysplasia which radiologically characterized by the appearance of “melting wax flowing down a candle”. We report on a 43-year-old woman with melorheostosis who had pain in the upper limp for 10 years, limitation of joint movement and a deformity in the left third finger. Radiographies and bone scintigraphy were evaluated. All lesions of melorheostosis in radiography were seen in bone scintigraphy. More than half of increased uptakes on bone scintigra-phy are due to degenerative process.

Detection of Extensive Melorheostosis on Bone Scintigram Performed for Suspected Metastases

Melorheostosis is a rare but benign disorder characterized by asymmetric osteosclerotic dysplasia. Radiographic appearances are characteristic and described as "melting wax flowing down a candle." This disorder may involve more than one bone contiguously across the joints following a sclerotomal distribution. It is often asymptomatic but occasionally presents with pain and contractures. The authors report accidental detection of bilateral upper and lower limb melorheostosis in an elderly woman with the history of breast cancer and recent onset of low back pain, which was referred for a bone scintigram for suspected metastases. The images showed bilateral femoral and tibial melorheostosis, which was subsequently confirmed on plain radiograph and by clinical follow-up.