Quick Search
CAS: 8015-86-9
EINECS: 232-399-4
DESCRIPTION:
Carnauba, also called Brazil wax and palm wax, is a wax of the leaves of the carnauba palm Copernicia prunifera (synonym: Copernicia cerifera), a plant native to and grown only in the northeastern Brazilian states of Ceará, Piauí, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, Maranhão and Bahia.
Carnauba Wax is known as the "Queen of Waxes".
In its pure state, Carnauba Wax is usually available in the form of hard yellow-brown flakes.
Carnauba Wax is obtained by collecting and drying the leaves, beating them to loosen the wax, then refining and bleaching the wax.
As a food additive, its E number is E903.
The yellow-brownish greenish wax obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm (Copernica prunifera Mill. also C. cerifera), which is native to Brazil, is the hardest natural wax.
Carnauba wax is authorised in the EU as a food additive under the number E 903.
Like all other waxes, carnauba wax is insoluble in water, hardly soluble in ethanol, but soluble in acetone, petrol and other organic solvents.
Carnauba wax adheres well to surfaces and gives surfaces gloss and colour intensity.
In the production of carnauba wax, the wax is brushed off the leaves of the wax palm.
Carnauba wax is then melted, cleaned and bleached if necessary.
The food supplement E 903 is a wax extracted from the leaves of a genus of palm called Copernicia cerifera.
Carnauba wax is a hard and brittle yellowish-brown scales.
Carnauba wax also called as Brazil wax and palm wax, is a plant native to and grown only in the northeastern Brazilian states.
Carnauba wax is known as "queen of waxes" and in its pure state, usually comes in the form of hard yellow-brown flakes.
Carnauba wax is obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm by collecting and drying them, beating them to loosen the wax, then refining and bleaching the wax.
Carnauba wax can produce a glossy finish and as such is used in automobile waxes, shoe polishes, dental floss, food products such as sweets, instrument polishes, and floor and furniture waxes and polishes, especially when mixed with beeswax and with turpentine.
Because of its hypoallergenic and emollient properties as well as its shine, carnauba wax appears as an ingredient in many cosmetics formulas where it is used to thicken lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, foundation, deodorant, various skin care preparations, sun care preparations, etc.
Carnauba wax is also used to make cutler's resin.
As a food additive with E number 903, Carnauba wax is used as glazing agent and can be found in chewing gum, confectionery, coffee and bakery products.
Carnauba wax is approved to use as food additive in EU and generally recognized as safe food substance in US.
CAS: 8015-86-9
EINECS: 232-399-4
COMPOSITION OF CARNAUBA WAX:
Carnauba consists mostly of aliphatic esters (40 wt%), diesters of 4-hydroxycinnamic acid (21.0 wt%), ω-hydroxycarboxylic acids (13.0 wt%), and fatty alcohols (12 wt%).
The compounds are predominantly derived from acids and alcohols in the C26-C30 range.
Carnauba Wax is distinctive for its high content of diesters and its methoxycinnamic acid.
Carnauba Wax is sold in grades of T1, T3 and T4 according to its purity level, which is accomplished by filtration, centrifugation and bleaching.
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CARNAUBA WAX:
• INCI name: Copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax
• Melting point: 82–86 °C (180–187 °F) (among the highest of natural waxes; higher than beeswax, 62–64 °C (144–147 °F))[14]
• Relative density: ~0.97
• Among the hardest of natural waxes
• Practically insoluble in water or ethyl alcohol
• Soluble by heating in ethyl acetate or xylene
Melting point: 81-86 °C
Density: 0.990-0.999
refractive index : 1.4500
storage temp.: -20°C Freezer
solubility : Practically insoluble in water, soluble on heating in ethyl acetate and in xylene, practically insoluble in alcohol.
Form: Powder or Flakes
Specific Gravity: 0.990-0.999
Color: Yellow
Water Solubility:
Soluble in diethyl ether, alkali, chloroform.
Slightly soluble in boiling ethanol.
Insoluble in water.
Merck: 14,1846
Stability:
Stable
Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
EPA Substance Registry System: Carnauba wax (8015-86-9)
The smell of Carnauba wax is pleasant, the melting temperature varies from 80 to 91 degrees Celsius.
Carnauba wax dissolves well in chloroform and ether.
In boiling ethanol the degree of solubility is medium, Carnauba wax does not dissolve in water.
PROPERTIES OF CARNAUBA WAX:
Because Carnauba wax creates a glossy finish, carnauba wax is used in automobile waxes, shoe polishes, dental floss, food products (such as sweets), polishes for musical instruments, and floor and furniture waxes and polishes, especially when mixed with beeswax and turpentine.
Carnauba wax is commonly used for paper coatings in the United States.
In its purest form, Carnauba wax was often used on speedboat hulls in the early 1960s to enhance speed and handling in saltwater.
Carnauba wax is also the main ingredient in surfboard wax, combined with coconut oil.
Because of its hypoallergenic and emollient properties as well as its gloss, carnauba wax is used as a thickener in cosmetics such as lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, foundation, deodorant, and skincare and sun care preparations.
Carnauba wax is also used to make cutler's resin.
Carnauba wax is the finish of choice for most briar tobacco and smoking pipes, as it produces a high gloss when buffed that dulls with time, rather than flaking off like most other finishes.
Because it is too brittle to be used alone, carnauba wax is often combined with other waxes (principally beeswax) to treat and waterproof leather products, where Carnauba wax provides a high-gloss finish and increases leather's hardness and durability.
Carnauba wax is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as a coating to make tablets easier to swallow.
A very small amount (less than 1/100 of 1% by weight, e.g. 30 grams per 300 kg) is sprinkled onto a batch of tablets after they have been sprayed and dried; they are then tumbled for a few minutes to coat them.
In 1890, Charles Tainter patented the use of carnauba wax on phonograph cylinders as a replacement for the usual paraffin/beeswax mixture.
Carnauba wax may be used as a mold release agent for manufacturing fibre-reinforced plastics.
An aerosol mold release agent is formed by dissolving it in a solvent.
Unlike silicone or PTFE, carnauba is suitable for use with liquid epoxy, epoxy molding compounds (EMC), and some other plastic types, generally enhancing their properties.
Carnauba wax is not very soluble in chlorinated or aromatic hydrocarbons.
Carnauba wax is used in melt/castable explosives to produce an insensitive explosive formula such as Composition B, which is a blend of RDX and TNT.
Carnauba wax occurs as a light brown- to pale yellow-colored powder, flakes, or irregular lumps of a hard, brittle wax.
Carnauba wax has a characteristic bland odor and practically no taste.
Carnauba wax is free from rancidity.
Various types and grades are available commercially.
CAS: 8015-86-9
EINECS: 232-399-4
REACTIVITY PROFILE OF CARNAUBA WAX:
Carnauba wax react with acids to liberate heat.
Heat is also generated by interaction with caustic solutions.
Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products.
Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing with alkali metals and hydrides.
PRODUCTION AND EXPORT OF CARNAUBA WAX:
In 2006, Brazil produced 22,409 tons of carnauba wax, of which 14% was solid and 86% was in powder form.
There are 20 to 25 exporters of carnauba wax in Brazil who, after buying it from middlemen or directly from farmers, refine the wax before shipping it to the rest of the world.
The four largest exporters are Pontes, Brasil Ceras, Foncepi, and Carnauba do Brasil, who together account for around €25 million of the export market.
According to the German television program Markencheck, conditions for many carnauba production workers are quite poor; one Brazilian Labor Ministry official found conditions "that could be described as slavery."
According to the Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, the major destinations for exported carnauba wax are:
• United States (25%)
• Japan (15–25%)
• Germany (10–15%)
• Netherlands (5%)
• Italy (5%)
• Other countries (18%)
The Initiative for Responsible Carnauba (IRC) was founded in 2018 as part of the Private Business Action for Biodiversity project, in association with the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT).
Its aim is to foster responsible production that respects workers’ rights and preserves biodiversity.
In an established working group with 20 local manufacturers and international distributors and brands, the IRC has set social, traceability and biodiversity standards and helped local producers implement them, with the UEBT's support.
In collaboration with the local NGO Associação Caatinga, the Initiative has created a manual of good practices for the sector and 12 short learning videos, available on YouTube and sharable via WhatsApp, to inform field workers of their rights and about good biodiversity practices.
Carnauba wax is obtained from the leaf buds and leaves of the Brazilian carnauba palm, Copernicia cerifera.
The leaves are dried and shredded, and the wax is then removed by the addition of hot water.
USES OF CARNAUBA WAX:
Wherever a hard, high-polish wax is desired, e.g. in automobile waxes, floor wax emulsions, high quality shoe polishes, in the paper industry (especially for making carbon papers).
Carnauba Wax is used As a plasticizer in dental impression compounds.
Carnauba Wax is used To raise the melting point of other waxes; often used together with candelilla wax.
The presence of the lower-melting ouricury wax is considered as an adulteration.
Purified and bleached carnauba wax is used for cosmetic materials, such as depilatories and deodorant sticks.
In pharmacy as the last stage in tablet coating.
Skin sensitization or irritation by carnauba wax seems infrequent.
Carnauba wax is used to firm and texturize cosmetic preparations, and give them a less fluid consistency.
Carnauba wax also forms a protective layer on the skin’s surface.
Carnauba Wax has the highest melting point among natural plant waxes and does not usually cause allergic reactions.
Carnauba Wax is obtained from leaves and leaf buds of the Brazilian wax palm.
Carnauba Wax is a general purpose food additive that is a hard and brittle wax.
Carnauba Wax is obtained from the leaf buds and leaves of the brazilian wax palm copernicia cerifera.
Carnauba Wax is the hardest wax known and is used in candy glaze.
Carnauba Wax is Used to polish sugar almonds, to polish leather, oilskins and soaps, to harden candles, pencils and pastels manufacturing; premium quality waxes mainly used in cosmetics.
Technical: Raw material for the industrial production of polishes e.g. shoe polish, polishing agent.
Carnauba wax is used in the food industry mainly for surface treatment of fruits to protect them from drying out.
Carnauba wax is approved for the following foodstuffs:
• Confectionery and chocolate
• chocolate-covered biscuits,
• Nibbles and nuts
• Coffee beans
• Apples, pears, bananas, pineapples, avocados, mangoes, melons, citrus fruits, pomegranates and peaches
Pharmacy: Carnauba wax is used pharmaceutically as a coating for gastric juice resistant tablets.
Cosmetics: Carnauba wax is used in the production of cosmetics such as lip balms and lipsticks.
In the food industry, E 903 most often acts as an ingredient for the icing of candies and chewing gum, is part of pasta confectionery with glazes.
With carnauba wax cover fresh fruits (peaches, pears, apples, melons, pineapples) to preserve their properties and attractive appearance for a long time.
Carnauba wax is also used to coat nuts and coffee beans.
The additive is often used in the production of automotive polishes, shoe paints, polishes for furniture and floors, wooden surfaces.
Carnauba wax is used as an ingredient in cosmetic products.
Carnauba wax can be found in lipsticks, mascaras, eyeliners, shadows, creams.
In pharmacology, Carnauba wax is used for tablet coatings.
The function(s) performed by the food additive when used in cooking:
Acidity regulator - Carnauba wax Regulates the acidity or alkalinity of a food
Bulking agent - Carnauba wax increases food bulk without increasing available energy value significantly
Carrier - Carnauba wax is used to dissolve, dilute or disperse a food additive or nutrient without altering its function; typically to improve handling/application.
Glazing agent - Carnauba wax gives food a shiny appearance or provides a protective coating
CAS: 8015-86-9
EINECS: 232-399-4
PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS OF CARNAUBA WAX:
Carnauba wax is widely used in cosmetics, certain foods, and pharmaceutical formulations. Cosmetically, carnauba wax is commonly used in lip balms.
Carnauba wax is the hardest and highest-melting of the waxes commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations and is used primarily as a 10% w/v aqueous emulsion to polish sugar-coated tablets. Aqueous emulsions may be prepared by mixing carnauba wax with an ethanolamine compound and oleic acid.
The carnauba wax coating produces tablets of good luster without rubbing.
Carnauba wax may also be used in powder form to polish sugarcoated tablets.
Carnauba wax (10–50% w/w) is also used alone or with other excipients such as hypromellose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, alginate/ pectin-gelatin, Eudragit, and stearyl alcohol to produce sustainedrelease solid-dosage formulations.
Carnauba wax has been experimentally investigated for use in producing microparticles in a novel hot air coating (HAC) process developed as an alternative to conventional spray-congealing techniques.
In addition, carnauba wax has been used to produce gel beads for intragastric floating drug delivery and has been investigated for use in nanoparticulate sunscreen formulations.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT CARNAUBA WAX:
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
If inhaled:
Move the victim into fresh air.
If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration and consult a doctor immediately.
Do not use mouth to mouth resuscitation if the victim ingested or inhaled the chemical.
Following skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a doctor.
Following eye contact:
Rinse with pure water for at least 15 minutes.
Consult a doctor.
Following ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Call a doctor or Poison Control Center immediately
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide or alcohol-resistant foam.
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures:
Avoid dust formation.
Avoid breathing mist, gas or vapours.
Avoid contacting with skin and eye.
Use personal protective equipment.
Wear chemical impermeable gloves.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Remove all sources of ignition.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Keep people away from and upwind of spill/leak.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further spillage or leakage if it is safe to do so.
Do not let the chemical enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Collect and arrange disposal.
Keep the chemical in suitable and closed containers for disposal.
Remove all sources of ignition.
Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment.
Adhered or collected material should be promptly disposed of, in accordance with appropriate laws and regulations.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Handling in a well ventilated place.
Wear suitable protective clothing.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Avoid formation of dust and aerosols.
Use non-sparking tools.
Prevent fire caused by electrostatic discharge steam.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Store the container tightly closed in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place.
Store apart from foodstuff containers or incompatible materials.
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Exposure controls
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Set up emergency exits and the risk-elimination area.
Individual protection measures:
Eye/face protection:
Wear tightly fitting safety goggles with side-shields conforming to EN 166(EU) or NIOSH (US).
Skin protection:
Wear fire/flame resistant and impervious clothing.
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Wash and dry hands.
The selected protective gloves have to satisfy the specifications of EU Directive 89/686/EEC and the standard EN 374 derived from it.
Respiratory protection:
If the exposure limits are exceeded, irritation or other symptoms are experienced, use a full-face respirator.
Disposal considerations:
Disposal methods:
Product:
The material can be disposed of by removal to a licensed chemical destruction plant or by controlled incineration with flue gas scrubbing.
Do not contaminate water, foodstuffs, feed or seed by storage or disposal.
Do not discharge to sewer systems.
Contaminated packaging:
Containers can be triply rinsed (or equivalent) and offered for recycling or reconditioning. Alternatively, the packaging can be punctured to make it unusable for other purposes and then be disposed of in a sanitary landfill.
Controlled incineration with flue gas scrubbing is possible for combustible packaging materials.
Carnauba wax is widely used in oral pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetics, and certain food products.
Carnauba wax is generally regarded as an essentially nontoxic and nonirritant material.
However, there have been reports of allergic contact dermatitis from carnauba wax in mascara.
The WHO has established an acceptable daily intake of up to 7 mg/kg body-weight for carnauba wax.
Storage: Carnauba wax is stable and should be stored in a well-closed container, in a cool, dry place.
CAS: 8015-86-9
EINECS: 232-399-4
SYNONYMS OF CARNAUBA WAX:
Carnauba wax;
Waxes,carnauba;
Carnauba wax substitutes;
Waxes and Waxy substances,Brazil;
Waxes and Waxy substances,carnauba;
Carnuba wax;
Brazil wax;
FMC 819;
Bondwax WE 90;
WR 1;
Porizoru 524;
Michem Lube 156;
Finetex KR;
M 193;
StaFresh 819;
Shield Brite AP 50C;
WAX 2808;
Refined Carnauba 1;
Prime Yellow;
F 1-100;
BN 50;
BN 50 (wax);
Michem Lube 160;
Carnauba NC #3 Wax;
HX-A 01A;
S-Nauba 5021;
Slip-Ayd SL 508;
High Flat A 20P1;
Selosol 524;
Slip-Ayd SL 506;
Apple clear;
H 367;
WR 1 (wax);
ML 160;
Carnauba Wax Type 1 Flakes;
WE 95;
CC-FG 3;
ME 64540;
Slip-Ayd SL 535E;
Emustar 0164;
Emulsion No. 93016;
Aquatex CC 1003;
LT 314;
Michem Lube 160PFE;
A 118;
45T1;
T 1;
Hidisper A 118;
Carnauba Wax R 100;
R 100;
WE 188;
Selosol 651A;
Super Ester Wax TC;
K 332 (wax);
K 332;
Carnauba Gold II;
E 903;
WE 100;
WE 1-252;
KM 56;
Emustar 0199;
MK 56;
MK 56 (wax);
Michem Wax 433;
Copernicia cerifera wax;
Celuna ND;
Michem Lube 160F;
Polishing Wax 103;
Carnauba S;
Michem Lube 156FE;
Emustar 0413;
Selosol 428;
Serfene DL 96;
Emustar 0476;
Torasoru CN;
RC 160 (wax);
MicroCare 350;
NS 1P;
Carnauba 1;
Michem Lube 160HS;
Towax 1PF;
Paracera C 40;
TOA 131;
T 1 (carnauba wax);
Towax 1P2;
WA 05;
WA 03;
SL 535E;
Paracera 45;
Licomer W 483;
Lanco SF 1955;
C 1;
C 1 (wax);
Cerauba T 1;
Michem Lube 156 Kosher;
Michem Lube 156P;
Refined Carnauba No. 1 Powder;
Towax 131;
Selosol K 375;
SP 63;
RC 160;
H 1-100;
ML 160PFHS-E;
HD 3028;
Towax 125;
ML 156;
Hidisper 1535;
Hidisper F 10PC;
ME 62125AM;
Towax 171;
77700-48-2;
174477-33-9;
2291949-29-4
