Bayberry wax

Bayberry wax is an aromatic green vegetable wax. It is removed from the surface of the fruit of the bayberry (wax-myrtle) shrub (ex. Myrica cerifera) by boiling the fruits in water and skimming the wax from the surface of the water.[1] It is made up primarily of esters of lauric, myristic, and palmitic acid.[2]

Uses

Bayberry wax is used primarily in the manufacture of scented candles[3] and other products where its distinctive resinous fragrance is desirable.

Properties

• Melting point = 39–49 °C (102–120 °F)[4]
• Acid value = 3.5[5]
• Saponification value = 205–217[5]
• Iodine number = 1.9–3.9[4]

References

1. "How to Make Myrica cerifera, Wax Myrtle or Southern Bayberry Candles". FG Garden Blog. December 23, 2010. Archived from the original on August 7, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
2. "Bayberry (Myrica cerifera)". Sigma-Aldrich. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
3. "Bayberry". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
4. NIIR Board of Consultants & Engineers (2011). "Vegetable waxes". The Complete Technology Book on Wax and Polishes (Reprint). ASIA PACIFIC BUSINESS PRESS Inc. p. 32. ISBN 9788178330129.
5. "Wax info" (PDF). cameo.mfa.org. Retrieved July 8, 2016.

6. https://academic.oup.com/plcell/article/28/1/248/6098194