Thesis Abstract

This project is aimed at producing a good quality surface shine (polish) of long lasting value. For clarity, polish is a substance rubbed on the surface of materials to make them smooth and shiny. Polish has being of immense importance in protecting leather cum wooden surface and enhancing their beauty. To produce a stander polish, hard waxes such as carnauba wax, candelilla wax and palm wax; semi hard waxes which include; paraffin wax and ozokerite; solvents like turpentine and naphtha; dyes and dryers are also essential in this reearch project, paraffin wax, turpentine, paraffin oil, cobalt and lead dryers, vanish, black and brown pigments were used to obtain the desired results. The apparatus used were; measuring cylinder 100ml(finlab), digital weighing balance (mettler AE-200), beaker 500ml (finlab), magnetic stirrer, burner. Using the measured quantities of the ingredients, the production started with heating to about 90.c to melt the wax and cooling to about 60.c. This was preceded by the addition of the solvent, the colorant, drier and vanish. As this was being done, there was continuous agitation. After obtaining a homogenous mixture, the produce was filled into 50ml cans and allowed to cool. The best formulation was obtained from 45.2%, 24%, 21%, 2%, 2%, 2%, of turpentine, paraffin wax, paraffin oil, drier, vanish and colorants respectively. The major problem encountered were that of coverage and gloss or surface shine produced by the trial formulation. They were blamed on the particle size of the pigments and the absence of some other ingredients like hard waxes to blend the paraffin wax; and naphtha which despite all effort made. Happily, these were reasonably improved by using finer pigments particles and vanish respectively.

Thesis Overview