candelilla wax
- Scope note
- Yellowish-brown wax exuded from the leaves and stems of Euphorbia antisyphilitica, native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is hard, brittle, aromatic, opaque to translucent, and has little tack. Candelilla wax is obtained by boiling the leaves and stems in water and sulfuric acid. It is composed of hydrocarbons, with smaller amounts of esters and triterpenoids. It is an all-purpose wax used for leather dressing, polishes, cements, Ebonite varnishes, candles, sealing wax, paper sizing, waterproofing, metal casting, and insect-proofing. Candelilla wax resembles carnauba wax but is less hard. Because it blends with other waxes and is less costly, candelilla wax is often used as an extender.
- Date of creation: 18-Nov-2024
Accepted term: 18-Nov-2024