Shelly wax, also known as lac wax, is a natural hard wax secreted by the lac insect. It appears yellow to pale yellow and is characterized by a high melting point, great hardness, excellent gloss, and strong solvent retention. Primarily extracted as a byproduct during the processing of shellac, its chemical composition consists mainly of even-numbered carbon-atom fatty alcohols and fatty acids ranging from C28 to C34, with a higher content of fatty alcohols indicating the presence of substantial free alcohols.
Shelly wax is widely used in various industrial and consumer products, primarily in the following categories:
Personal Care and Polishing Products
Used in the formulation of shoe polishes, floor waxes, belt dressings, and car waxes, it enhances surface smoothness and protection due to its high gloss and superior film-forming properties.
Food Preservation
Processed into fruit coatings, it can be sprayed or brushed onto the surfaces of fruits, vegetables, and eggs to reduce water loss and bacterial invasion, thereby extending shelf life. Additionally, it serves as a polishing glaze for apples, citrus, and other fruits.
Cosmetics
A common ingredient in makeup products such as eyebrow pencils, lipsticks, lip balms, lotions, and moisturizers, it functions as a skin emollient, film-forming agent, thickener, and viscosity controller, contributing to a smooth texture and lustrous finish.
Industrial and Packaging Materials
Applied in electrical insulation materials, inks, carbon paper, bottle sealants, and colored crayons. It also serves as a substitute for carnauba wax, finding use in packaging coatings and adhesives.
Pharmaceutical and Food Industries
In pharmaceuticals, it is used for tablet coatings (enteric coatings) to prevent drug disintegration in the stomach. In food applications, it acts as a gum base for chewing gum and a coating for chocolates, preventing moisture absorption while enhancing surface shine.
