The Journal of
the Korean Journal of Metals and Materials

The Journal of
the Korean Journal of Metals and Materials

Monthly
  • pISSN : 1738-8228
  • eISSN : 2288-8241

Editorial Office

Title Mold Material of Joseon Dynasty Period Movable Metal Types Produced by Investment Casting
Authors 박학수(Hak Soo Park); 윤의박(Eui Pak Yoon)
DOI https://doi.org/10.3365/KJMM.2010.48.06.551
Page pp.551-556
ISSN 1738-8228(ISSN), 2288-8241(eISSN)
Keywords alloys; casting; defects; X-ray diffraction; movable metal type
Abstract In this report, we describe mold materials that were used to produce movable metal type by the investment casting method during the Joseon dynasty period in Korea. Samples were obtained from the Wibuinja collection, which is held by the National Museum of Korea. Most of the mold material remnants were found in the depressed areas of the movable type specimens, and we therefore performed non-destructive analyses including XRF, EDS, and XRD. Through these analyses, we were able to identify the mold remnants as hydrocerussite [trilead dihydroxide dicarbonate, Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2] formed in platy hexagonal crystallites. Hydrocerussite was first used to make white pigments and cosmetics in ancient Greece, but this is the first report of hydrocerussite used as mold material applied around a disposable pattern for investment casting. The results of this study will further the understanding of the production process for early movable metal type and ancient casting technologies.