Rice bran wax

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Rice bran wax is the vegetable wax extracted from the bran oil of rice (Oryza sativa).

Chemical Composition

The main components of rice bran wax are aliphatic acids (wax acids) and higher alcohol esters. The aliphatic acids consist of palmitic acid (C16), behenic acid (C22), lignoceric acid (C24), other wax acids, (C26) etc. The higher alcohol esters consist of ceryl alcohol (C26), melissyl alcohol (C30), etc. Rice bran wax also contains constituents such as free fatty acids (palmitic acid), squalene and phospholipid.

Uses

Rice bran wax is used in paper coating, textiles, explosives, fruit & vegetable coatings, pharmaceuticals, candles, moulded novelties, electric insulation, textile and leather sizing, waterproofing, carbon paper, typewriter ribbons, printing inks, lubricants, crayons, adhesives, chewing gum and cosmetics.

In cosmetics, rice bran wax is used as an emollient, and is the basis material for some exfoliation particles. It has been observed that rice bran wax at concentrations as low as 1 wt% in triglycerides can crystallize to form stable gels.^[1] It may also serve as a substitute for Carnauba wax.

Physical Properties

Melting point = 77 - 86 °C

Saponification value = 75 -120

Iodine number = 10

Color: Off-white to moderate orange/brown

Odor: typical fatty, crayola-ish

Rice bran wax bleaches and deodorizes readily

INCI name: Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax.

References

1. ^ Dassanayake, Lakmali; Kodali, Dharma R.; Ueno, S.; K., Sato (22 July 2009). "Physical Properties of Rice Bran Wax in Bulk and Organogel". Journal of the America Oil Chemist's Society 86 (12). doi:10.1007/s11746-009-1464-6.