Intermixing and Solidification of a SugarWax Mixture

1
Intermixing and Solidification of a Sugar-Wax
Mixture

• Cynthia Macht and Nathan Radcliffe
• Tufts University REU
• June 5, 1998

2
Project Overview

• Initial microstructures of sugar candy and
  beeswax were known
• Substances were heated, mixed and allowed to
  solidify
• Macroscale and microstructural properties were
  examined

3
Experimental Process
Substances mixed
Cylindrical mold
25ml sugar water 25ml beeswax
Heated to 350 C
COOL
WHACK!
Mold is broken
Microstructure observed
4
Cooling Rate
center
outside
Thermocouple disconnects
5
Macroscale Analysis

• Caramel colored
• Marbled finish
• Sticky texture immediately after solidification
• Hard/brittle

Solid after cooling
Thermocouple wire
6
Microstructural Analysis

• Microstructure retained properties of each
  substance
• Regional variation occurred
• Surface composition
• Homogeneous area
• Smooth crystal

7
Conclusions

• When melted together, sugar and wax structures
  usually resist homogeneous combination
• Sugar retains crystal properties and wax retains
  its rough surface and homogeneity
• Sample observed exhibited properties from both
  substances
• Due to continuous stirring, sample solidified as
  a heterogeneous solid