Lac wax
Revision as of 12:23, 27 April 2013 by (username removed)
Description
A solid fatty acid ester compound obtained from shellac resin. Shellac contains approximately 3-6% wax and is separated as a byproduct during shellac processing. Lac wax primarily contains myricyl and ceryl alcohols with a small proportion of heavier alcohols and some hydrocarbons ranging from C42 to C68. As early as the 17th century lac wac was imported to Europe and used as a sealing wax. The hard, golden-color wax is no longer commonly used. In shellac varnishes, the incomplete removeal of lac wax can produce a hazy appearance.
Synonyms and Related Terms
cera de laca (Esp.); shellac wax; lacwax
Other Properties
Iodine value=6.0-8.8, acid value=12.1-24.3; saponification value = 63.8-83.0
| Melting Point | 78-82 |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.971-0.980 |
Hazards and Safety
Combustible.
Authority
- R. J. Gettens, G.L. Stout, R. J. Gettens, G.L. Stout, Painting Materials, A Short Encyclopaedia, Dover Publications, New York, 1966
- Thomas Gregory, Thomas Gregory, The Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Reinhold Publishing, New York, 3rd ed., 1942
- John S. Mills, Raymond White, John S. Mills, Raymond White, The Organic Chemistry of Museum Objects, Butterworth Heineman, London, 2nd ed., 1994
- Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "lac" Encyclopdia Britannica from Encyclopdia Britannica Premium Service. [Accessed February 6, 2003]. gives 17th c. for first use in Europe
- CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, Robert Weast (ed.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, v. 61, 1980 Comment: melting point = 79-82; density=0.971-0.980; iodine value=6.0-8.8, acid value=12.1-24.3; saponification value = 63.8-83.0