Transcript Waxes
Waxes David S. Seigler Department of Plant Biology University of Illinois Urbana, Illinois 61801 USA [email protected] http://www.life.illinois.edu/seigler Waxes - Outline Importance Botanical o Several families Economics Chemistry Isolation Reading • CHAPTER 9 IN THE TEXT Introduction • Waxes are usually found on the outside of plants. • They play a minor role in the economy. • Some synthetic substances are available, but they are not as good quality as the plant-derived waxes. Carnauba wax • Among all waxes, carnauba wax, mostly imported from Brazil, is the most important. • The wax occurs on the surface of the leaves of Copernicia cerifera (Arecaceae). • The wax is obtained by collecting the new or immature leaves of the palm and allowing them to dry. The wax can then be removed by beating. • Used primarily in car polishes and shoe polish. A Copernicia species from Cuba Carnauba palms in Argentina Libro del Arbol, Celulosa Argentina, Vol. 2, 1975 Candelilla wax • Candelilla wax often substituted for carnauba wax. From Euphorbia antisyphyllitica (Euphorbiaceae), a plant native to the Chihuahuan desert in Mexico and southern Texas. • The plant is wild harvested and in some danger of being extincted by collectors. • It is illegal to wild harvest candellila in Texas. Candelilla, Euphorbia antisyphyllitica (Euphorbiaceae) Candelilla collection in Coahuila, Mexico Courtesy Dr. Beryl Simpson Supplies of candelilla and the camp Courtesy Dr. Beryl Simpson Courtesy Dr. Beryl Simpson Courtesy Dr. Beryl Simpson Candelilla wax ready for shipment Courtesy Dr. Beryl Simpson Jojoba, Simmondia chinensis, Simmondsiaceae • Jojoba wax comes from the seed of Simmondsia chinensis, Simmondsiaceae, of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. • The seeds contain a liquid wax that has many desirable properties. • Jojoba can be cultivated on lands that are unsuitable for cultivation of most other crops. • The wax has been used as a lubricant and is extremely good for this purpose. • Jojoba oil is widely used in cosmetics. Jojoba, Simmondia chinensis, Simmondsiaceae Female and male flowers of jojoba Courtesy Dr. David Young Jojoba fruit • New acreage of jojoba has come into production and the price has decreased from former times. Sugar cane wax • Sugar cane wax is a by-product of the sugar industry. • This wax is not as good as carnauba wax, but is available and used for many of the same purposes. Courtesy Dr. Lowell Urbatsch Bayberry wax (Myrica pennsylvanica, Myricaceae) • Bayberry is from low wet areas in the eastern U.S. • In New England the fruits were collected and the wax melted off to make candles. • Bayberry candles are still used because of the nice odor they produce. Bayberry, Myrica cerifera, Myricaceae