Carnauba wax

Properties
Carnauba wax is typical of the hard waxes that have the highest melting points among waxes of
plant origin. It is soluble in chloroform,ether and petroleum benzene when hot but sparingly soluble
when it is cold. It is sparingly soluble in hot ethanol and practically insoluble in water. Observed
infrared absorption is as follows 1730: uc=o, 1605: uc=c, 1460: ucH, -1175: uc-o of ester, 730 and
720: dcH of -(CH2)n-.

Origin
The carnauba palm is a forest tree found in South America, particularly in northern Brazil. It grows
naturally or is cultivated and reaches around 10 m in height. The leaves are fan-shaped and the wax
is secreted on their surface, especially the under surface. This material consists of wax acid esters,
the major component, and the other constituents listed below. (Ref. 0007)
Alkyl Esters of Wax Acids 84-85% , (Simple esters of normal acids 5-6% , Acid esters C18-C30 5-
6%, Diesters, 19-21%, Esters of hydroxylated acids, 53-55%), Free Wax Acids 3-3.5%, Lactides 2-
3%, Free and Combined Polyhydric and Oxy-Alcohols 2-3%, Resins (alcohol soluble) 4-6% ,
Hydrocarbons 1.5-3%, Moisture and Mineral Matter 0.5-1%
A method of manufactureThe leaves are harvested between October and February and dried in the
sun for several days.
The wax, which forms a powder on the leaf surface, is knocked off and put into hot water. This is
then filtered and the molten wax is cooled to harden. Normally, 100 leaves yield 500 g of wax.

Uses,
Carnauba wax is used in lipsticks to raise temperature resistance and give luster and in small
amounts in products requiring firmness such as creams, depilatory waxes and deodorant sticks. It is
also used in ointment bases, as a lustering agent for tablets and in floor polish.

Melting point 80-86 C

Iodine value 5-14 (Ref. 0007) Use 30ml of carbon tetrachloride.
Acid Value Not more than 10 (Ref. 0007) Use 30ml of xylene and 50ml of ethanol as solvent,and
titrate while warm. (Method 1. 3g.
Saponification Value 78-95 (Ref. 0007) Add 0.5N potassium hydroxide-ethanol,then add 20ml of
benzene.