natural and safe way to protect a variety of surfaces - is carnauba wax.This substance of plant origin, it is non-toxic and approved for use even as a food preservative.It is this wax covered fruit for better safety and appetizing appearance.
Physical and chemical properties
carnauba wax usually comes in the form of flakes of a yellowish semi-solid, and possibly gray shade.To substance was suitable for use, it must be heated.The melting point of wax, from different sources, is from 83 to 100 degrees.It depends on the type (and there are more than seven) and fresh wax.This temperature is significantly higher than any other wax of vegetable or animal origin.When heated, it becomes a sweet aroma, soluble in oils and are often used in the manufacture of decorative cosmetics, and as a stabilizer in homemade creams.Often, carnauba wax is used in conjunction with other, cheaper wax, raising its melting point and giving strength to the final product.
consists mainly of wax esters cerotic acid and monohydric higher alcohols.The same cerotic acid found in beeswax.Among other components - fatty alcohols, to a lesser extent - fatty acids in an amount of not more than 3% hydrocarbons.The saponification number of carnauba wax is about 80-85, and the unsaponifiable fraction - about 55%.The acid number - 3.
In nature, this wax has a powdery appearance.It covers the leaves growing in Brazil veerolistnogo certain varieties of palm tree and prevents them from excessive transpiration during dry periods.It is going in the summer.
Applications and practical tips
Carnauba wax is injected into the polishes for furniture and cars.It is found in the finished composition (e.g., under the trademark "Liberon"), and is also used for self-production of mastic (for this wax is added to the linseed oil is heated).The coating composition of furniture containing it eliminates the possibility of damage to health caused by various varnishes.Furniture becomes a noble color and luster, but such coverage requires special care, although afraid of water is much less than beeswax.Wax is used for processing of smaller products of wood, in particular pipes and knife handles.Ready mastic on the basis of its consistency reminiscent of a thick honey.
widely use carnauba wax, and in the production of cosmetics.In industrial lipsticks and lip balms, its share may reach 10%, the cream contains two to four times less.It allows you to create a sufficiently dense texture of cosmetic products, not giving it an unpleasant odor and excessive stickiness.The creams it helps repair chapped skin.Therefore, carnauba wax in the composition is always speaks in favor of the purchased product.
Among other applications, you can select the production of creams for footwear, protective coatings for floors.It is also used in confectionery and pharmaceutical industry, as the basis for a candy glaze and shells tablets.
Whatever the purpose of carnauba wax, with independent work with him must adhere to certain rules.First of all, it is necessary to avoid heat directly into the pan.The best option - a water bath.Depending on the particular formulation can first be heated oil, and then added to a wax (in mastics) or wax is put into a container together with the oil and emulsifier (creams).
Most often, this wax is sold in the form of flakes, however, can be found such forms of release as sticks, pellets or powder.Acquire them, most often in online stores.
