| ≥1 piece |
Origin
Shellac is produced by refining of seedlac by means of three different processes (heat process, ethanol extraction, chemical bleaching). The raw material for manufacturing of seedlac is the exudate of the insect Kerria lacca, kerr., Fam. Coccidaea. Countries of origin are India and Thailand, China and Vietnam. The latter are less important export countries.
DescriptionShellac is an amorphous, thermoplastic and tough resin, which forms high-gloss films. It is soluble in low alcohols (ethanol) and aqueous-alkaline media but stable against hydrocarbons. It is physiologically harmless and biodegradable.
ComponentsMain component of the resin is a low-molecular polyester with the main constituents aleuretic acid (9,10,16-trihydroxypalmitin acid) and the terpenoid shellolic acid. Wax containing shellac types contains up to 5% shellac wax.
PackagingJute bags of 25 or 50 kg net, paper bags of 25 kg net, drums of 25 kg net (for pharmaceutical grades)
ApplicationTechnical: Wood treatment (primers, matting, finishes, care), binder for flexo-printing inks, inks, China inks, abrasives in grinding wheels, hat stiffening agent, leather finishing, socket cement for light bulbs, coating agent for seed, binder for pyrotechnics, dental plates Food: Fruit coatings (e.g. citrus fruit, melons, apples), parting and glazing agent (e.g. dragées, chocolate, chewing gum), binder for packaging printing inks for direct contact, micro encapsulation of flavourings, barrier coatings (e.g. moisture barrier) Pharmaceuticals: Gastric juices resistant coatings, barrier coatings (moisture barrier, odour barrier), sustained release tablets Cosmetics: Film former in hairspray, hair settings and nail lacquer, binder in mascara, micro encapsulation of fragrances