ABTM Shellac is the purified material obtained from the resinous secretion of the Laccifer insect.
Insoluble in water, it is soluble (slowly) in alcohol, and slightly soluble in acetone and ether.
ABTM Shellac
460,00€ | 25 Kg at 18,400 €/Kg | Taxes and shipping NOT included |
Out of stock
Application: Technical
Presentation: Flakes
Weight: 25 Kg
Out of stock
Description: ABTM Shellac
Shellac is a hard, brittle resin secreted by the female insect of the Kerria lacca species. This insect is native mainly to India and feeds on the sap of certain trees, which it then excretes in the form of resin.
Once collected, these cocoon-like formations are cleaned, bleached and ready to be marketed in the form of flakes.
Shellac presents a variety of colors, from light yellow to dark brown, with shades of brown, orange and red, depending on the time of collection and the type of tree on which the insects have fed.
Characteristics of shellac
This natural gum has several characteristics that make it useful in industrial applications:
Natural gloss and transparency
The material is known for its exceptional natural sheen. When applied as a coating on surfaces, such as furniture or musical instruments, it provides a glossy and attractive finish.
In addition, once applied, shellac allows the beauty and natural characteristics of wood and other materials to be appreciated through the coating.
Resistance, durability and insulation
As a hard and resistant resin, it forms a protective layer on the surfaces where it is applied. It provides protection against wear, moisture, UV rays and some chemicals.
It can also act as an electrical and thermal insulator, which makes it useful in electronic and industrial applications.
Adhesion and compatibility with other resins
Its excellent adhesion capacity makes it an ideal choice for coating a wide variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, paper and other pre-finishes.
What’s more, shellac can be mixed with other resins and additives, allowing its properties and applications to be tailored to specific needs.
Shellac uses and applications
Food industry
It is used as a glazing and coating agent to improve the appearance and prolong the shelf life of food products such as candies, dried fruits and nuts.
It is also used to maintain particle uniformity in certain food products.
Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
Shellac is used to create coatings for pharmaceutical tablets and capsules, and to provide a protective and attractive topcoat in cosmetics.
Industrial uses
In the finishing and coating industry, this material is used as a film-forming and coating agent in the manufacture of lacquers and paints.
It is also a key component in the production of waxes and polishes, through which it adds gloss and protection to wood surfaces and other materials.
