CANDELILLA WAX

Chemical properties

Candelilla wax is obtained from several species of Euphorbiaceae, rush-like perennial plants that grow in the semiarid regions of northern Mexico and southern Texas, and to a limited extent in Arizona and southern California. The plants consist of numerous slender, leafless cylindrical stalks 2 to 5 ft high, covered with a powdery wax that gives the plant a blue-green color.
The wax is extracted from the plants by immersing the dried stalks in boiling water acidified with sulfuric acid; the molten product is skimmed off as it rises to the surface. The wax is transferred to lead-lined tanks, kept at the boiling point to remove water, and then allowed to settle to remove any dirt present. The yield of clarified wax is from 1.5 to 3.0% of the air-dried plant. The sole criterion of purity is usually the color of the product, which varies from light yellow to brown. For other details of description, refer to Burdock (1997).

The Uses of CANDELILLA WAX

candelilla wax (Euphorbia cerifera) binds oils and waxes, and gives body to a formulation. It is also used as a film former. It is obtained from candelilla plants and is similar to carnauba wax.

The Uses of CANDELILLA WAX

manufacture of cosmetics, rubber substitutes, furniture and leather polishes, candles, sealing wax, phonograph records; for waterproofing boxes and fabrics; electric insulations; lithographic, printing, stamping and writing inks; molding compositions; sizing paper; hardening other waxes; protective coating for citrus fruits; formerly in chewing gum.

The Uses of CANDELILLA WAX

Candelilla Wax is a lubricant and surface finishing agent obtained from the candelilla plant. it is a hard, yellowish-brown, opaque-to- translucent wax. candelilla wax is prepared by immersing the plants in boiling water containing sulfuric acid and skimming off the wax that rises to the surface. it is composed of about 50% hydrocarbons with smaller amounts of esters and free acids. it is used in chewing gum and hard candy.

Definition

Yellowish-brown, opaque to translucent solid. Soluble in chloroform, turpentine, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, toluene, hot petroleum ether, and alkalies; insoluble in water. Combustible.