Analysis and application of natural wax extracted from Colocasia esculenta leaves

Abstract

The epicuticular wax on the leaves of the edible aroid Colocasia esculenta produces contact angles of more than 150 degrees and confers super hydrophobic characteristics. By use of the maceration procedure, this wax is extracted utilizing polar and non-polar solvents. Polar solvents like ethanol and ethyl acetate are unable to remove the hydrophobic wax as successfully as non-polar solvents like toluene, xylene, di-ethyl ether, and petroleum ether. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) is used to extract the characters of the obtained wax in various steps. Later to detect functional groups, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis is done using acid and base properties. The natural non-polar wax can only be dissolved in non-polar solvents, and thus results in an extraction rate that is typically between 3 to 4 percent, with SPF variables playing a significant role. Application of the obtained wax is examined.