Japan wax 3500440 205757264 2008-04-15T10:16:29Z Tonkawa68 5549409 '''Japan wax''' is a pale-yellow, waxy, water-insoluble solid with a gummy feel, obtained from the berries of certain [[sumac]]s native to [[Japan]] and [[China]], such as ''[[Rhus]] verniciflua'' (Japanese sumac tree) and ''[[Rhus|R]]. succedanea'' (Japanese wax tree). Japan wax is a byproduct of [[lacquer]] manufacture. It is not a true [[wax]] but a [[fat]] that contains 10-15% [[palmitin]], [[stearin]], and [[olein]] with about 1% [[japanic acid]] (1,21-heneicosanedioic acid). Japan wax is sold in flat squares or disks and has a rancid odor. It is extracted by expression and heat, or by the action of [[solvent]]s. ==Uses== Japan wax is used chiefly in the manufacture of [[candles]], furniture polishes, floor waxes, wax matches, [[soaps]], food packaging, pharmaceuticals, [[cosmetics]], [[pastels]], [[crayons]], buffing compounds, metal [[lubricants]], [[adhesives]], thermoplastic resins, and as a substitute for [[beeswax]]. ==Other names== Japan tallow; sumac wax; sumach wax; vegetable wax ==Properties== Melting point =53°C Soluble in [[benzene]], [[ether]], [[naphtha]] and [[alkalis]]. Insoluble in [[water]] or cold [[ethanol]]. Iodine value=4.5-12.6 Acid value=6-209 [[Saponification value]]=206.5-237.5 [[Category:Waxes]] [[de:Japanwachs]] [[ja:木蝋]] [[it:Cera giapponese]]