| 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. |
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| Key Words |
| alloys, casting, defects, X-ray diffraction, movable metal type |
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