Retamo wax

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Description

Retamo wax is obtained from a species of plant known as Bulnesia retama, which is a shrub or mall tree (3-5 ft) native to Argentina. The wax is found on the branches of this plant which grows in arid lands at the foot of the Andes Cordillera mountains. The branches generally harvested in summer, dried to loosen the wax from the cellulosic material, and then boiled in water acidified with sulfuric acid to readily free the wax[1].

Properties

Melting Point 76 - 78 ºC
Acid Number 48.6
Saponification Number 87.3
Ester value 38.7
Iodine number 4.5 - 5
Acetyl number 17
Hydrocarbon content 27%
Acetone soluble 2.5 - 3%
Ash 0.03%
Moisture 1%
Suspended matter 0.14%
Isopropanol insoluble None
Refractive Index 1.448
Penetration 100g/75ºF/5 sec 0.5 - 1.0
Color Café au lait
Odor Odorless

[2]

Uses

This wax is being used successfully in the manufacture of shoe polishes, floor polishes, automobile polishes, in certain tannery finishes, edge inks for shoes, carbon paper, etc. [3]

References

  1. Warth, A. H.; The Chemistry and Technology of Waxes. Reinhold Publishing Corporation. Second Edition, p. 197
  2. Warth, A. H.; The Chemistry and Technology of Waxes. Reinhold Publishing Corporation. Second Edition, p. 198
  3. Warth, A. H.; The Chemistry and Technology of Waxes. Reinhold Publishing Corporation. Second Edition, p. 198