Overview
Refined shellac is a purified form of lac resin secreted by the female Kerria lacca insect, primarily harvested in India and Thailand. The 'refined' designation indicates superior processing to remove waxes and impurities, resulting in higher clarity and stability compared to raw shellac. This natural polymer has been used for centuries, with modern applications leveraging its unique combination of thermoplasticity, adhesion, and FDA-approved edibility. Its renewable origin and biodegradability make it an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic resins in specific applications.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Refined shellac exhibits distinctive amber coloration ranging from pale yellow to deep orange, depending on purification level. As a thermoplastic material, it softens at relatively low temperatures (75-85°C) and melts around 120°C, allowing easy application in coating processes. Chemically, it contains polyhydroxy acids (aleuritic acid) that enable alcohol solubility. The material hardens through solvent evaporation rather than polymerization, forming a durable yet somewhat brittle film. Its dielectric strength (∼400 kV/cm) and moisture resistance make it valuable in electronics applications.
Main Applications
In food industry, refined shellac serves as glazing agent E904 for candies, fruits (e.g., citrus coatings), and pharmaceutical pills due to its non-toxicity and moisture barrier properties. The electronics sector utilizes its dielectric properties for coil insulation and PCB coatings. Woodworking applications include French polish finishes and antique restoration, where its deep luster and repairability are prized. Emerging uses include 3D printing support materials and biodegradable packaging films, capitalizing on its sustainable profile.
Safety and Storage
Food-grade refined shellac is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by FDA when used appropriately. Industrial grades may contain residual solvents requiring proper ventilation during processing. Powder forms present dust explosion hazards (ST1 classification). Storage requires protection from heat (keep below 30°C) and humidity to prevent clumping. Shelf life typically reaches 2 years in sealed containers. Alcohol-based solutions should be stored in flame-proof cabinets with proper grounding to prevent static discharge ignition.
B2B Procurement Guide
When sourcing refined shellac, specify required certifications: FDA 21 CFR 175.300 for food contact, USP-NF for pharmaceuticals, or industrial standards like ASTM D237 for coatings. Key quality indicators include acid value (65-75 mg KOH/g) and wax content (<1% for premium grades). Bulk buyers should request third-party lab reports confirming absence of heavy metals and pesticides. Consider supply chain stability—monsoon seasons in Southeast Asia may affect availability. For coating applications, inquire about pre-dissolved solutions in ethanol to reduce processing time.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：福美钠、五氧化二钒、氨基磺酸、虫胶片用作橡胶制品、氨基化锂、焦性没食子酸、次氯酸钙、漂粉精、酪蛋白胨、甘油、九水硫化钠、牛油脂肪酸、酵母膏、氟硅酸钠、单乙醇胺、氢氧化钾、氟化钠、氟化钙、氧化铅、油酸钠、偏钒酸铵、氢氧化钡、EVA乳液、二硫化钼、氟化氢钾
- 主营：漂白粉、茶皂素、噻霉酮、虫胶片可提供小样、浮选油、草酸铵、戊二醛、苯甲醇、磺化油、漂粉精、氟化钠、三甘醇、碳酸钙、白僵菌、松醇油、碳酸钡、黄糊精、雷米邦a、号全精炼、杀菌剂bit、三乙醇胺、牛骨发酵、快干水泥、多聚甲醛、次氯酸钠、羟基乙叉
- 主营：三甘醇、五氧化二钒、纯牛骨蛋白胨、虫胶片用作橡胶制品、牛油脂肪酸、氯偏乳液、苄基胂酸、漂粉精、苯甲醇、草酸镍、磷酸、六氟磷酸钾、次氯酸钙、钯碳、草酸钛钾、粘土固化剂、福美钠、戊二醛、碳酸钡、硝酸异辛酯、二甲基二硫代氨基甲酸、四氧化三铅、氯化锌、松醇油、磺化油、氟化氢钾
- 主营：增稠剂、切削液、胶黏剂、虫胶片用作橡胶制品、催化剂、锡酸钠、水杨酸、硫酸锰、铵明矾、聚甘油、肉桂醛、桐油酸、硼酸锌、椰油胺、铜铬黑、清洗剂、泛酸钙、防锈剂、浮选剂、乳酸钙、增感剂、冰晶石、磷酸脲、导热油、碳酸锆、大豆蜡
- 主营：虫胶片、dmf环保、环保溶剂
- 主营：太古油、除臭剂、渗透剂、冲胶片、抗氧剂、碳酸钠、氯化铵、己二醇、纺织助剂、三乙醇胺、透明液体、固体饮料、5-戊二醇、硫代硫酸钠、对甲苯磺酸、金属切削液、磷酸二氢钾、碱式碳酸铜、异噻唑啉酮、磷酸二氢钠、石油添加剂、玉米胚芽粕、表面活性剂、无水葡萄糖、织物防水剂、磷酸氢二钠
- 主营：氢氧化钾、EDTA、EDTA四钠、冲胶片、EDTA二钠、碳酸钾、亚硝酸钠、柠檬酸、乳化剂、三乙醇胺、硼酸、丙三醇、衣康酸、元明粉、防腐剂、苯甲醇、香油渣、蒸馏水、三元酸、杀菌剂、硫酸铝、甘油、硫酸铜、笨骈三氮唑、太古油