Shellac

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Shellac is a natural resin secreted by the lac insect, primarily found in South Asia. It is processed into flakes or powder form and dissolved in alcohol to create a versatile film-forming agent. Shellac provides excellent adhesion, gloss, and moisture resistance, making it widely used as a wood finish, food glaze, and pharmaceutical coating. It is valued for its natural origin, biodegradability, and safe use in food and cosmetic applications.

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Category: Binders/Resins Tags: Lac Resin, Natural Resin, Organic Coating Agent, Shellac, Thermoplastic Resin

Description

Table of Contents

Shellac

Primary Uses

Wood Finishing and Furniture

Applied as a protective and decorative finish on wood surfaces, providing high gloss and color enhancement.
Used as a sealer and primer under varnishes and paints to improve adhesion and durability.
Popular in antique restoration and fine woodworking for its traditional aesthetic qualities.

Food Industry

Used as a glazing agent/coating for confectionery, fruits, nuts, and pharmaceutical pills to provide shine and moisture barrier.
Acts as a natural preservative by sealing food surfaces against moisture and contaminants.

Pharmaceuticals

Employed as a coating for tablets and pills to control release and improve appearance.
Used in lozenges and candies as a protective film.

Secondary Uses

Cosmetics

Used in lipsticks, nail polishes, and other personal care products for glossy finishes and film formation.

Printing and Packaging

Applied as a varnish or coating for paper, cardboard, and packaging materials to improve surface quality and protection.

Art Supplies

Utilized in traditional varnishes for paintings and art restoration.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Natural resin (polyesters of aleuritic acid and other fatty acids)
Common/Trade Name: Shellac
CAS Number: 9000-59-3
HS Code: 1301.90
Synonyms: Lac resin, natural resin

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Flakes, powder, or dissolved in alcohol as liquid shellac
Color & Odor: Amber to deep reddish-brown; characteristic mild resinous odor
Solubility: Soluble in ethanol and other alcohols; insoluble in water
Density: Approx. 1.2 g/cm³ (solid flakes)

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

GHS Classification: Generally considered low hazard; flammable in alcohol solution
Toxicity: Low toxicity; generally recognized as safe for food use
Exposure Limits: Follow standard occupational safety guidelines

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from ignition sources and direct sunlight
Container Type: Supplied in sealed bags, drums, or bottles (for liquid shellac)
Shelf Life: 2 years when stored properly
Handling Precautions: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhaling dust or vapors

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Complies with food-grade standards including FDA and FCC for use as food glaze/coating.
Meets cosmetic ingredient regulations in various regions (e.g., EU Cosmetics Regulation).
Manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for pharmaceutical applications.

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Biodegradability: Biodegradable and environmentally friendly due to natural origin.
Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact when disposed properly.
Bioaccumulation: Not significant.

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required: Gloves and goggles recommended during handling of flakes and solutions.
Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid ignition sources when working with alcohol-based solutions.
Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly sealed and stored away from heat and flames.

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air if inhaled; seek medical attention if irritation occurs.
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water if irritation develops.
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water; seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice if discomfort occurs.

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Flammable when dissolved in alcohol; solid flakes are combustible.
Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, CO₂, or water spray for fires involving shellac or alcohol solutions.
Special Precautions: Wear protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus if needed.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, aldehydes, and other organic combustion products.