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Producing the Eco-Wax

Laboratory Procedure

 The wax results from vacuum filtration, a brine wash, and purification with almond husks of the oil. The colour and fragrance are obtained by adding filtered oil from ground fruit peel. For the final consistency, the solution is hydrogenated, using a nickel catalyst, energy efficient and stable in chemical reactions. An alternative process will be solidifying with palm stearin, which is less sustainable.

Procedure

Oil Filtration:

  • Strain the oil using a strainer to remove any large particles from the oil.

  • Place the Büchner funnel in a 500ml Kitasato flask.

  • Put a filter paper on top of the funnel.

  • Connect the Kitasato flask to the vacuum pump and then turn on the pump.

  • Add the previously strained oil to the funnel (repeat until all the oil is used). If the filtration slows down, change the filter paper and then continue with the procedure.

  • Dispose of the used filter paper and store the filtered oil.

 

Oil Washing:

  • Weigh 50g of salt (NaCl) into a 50ml beaker using a spatula.

  • Pour 500ml of distilled water into a beaker, adding the salt.

  • Heat the NaCl solution on a heating plate with a magnetic stir bar until it reaches 50ºC.

  • Measure 100ml of the filtered oil into a graduated cylinder.

  • Transfer the oil to a 250ml separating funnel.

  • Measure 100ml of the heated NaCl solution into a 100ml graduated cylinder.

  • Add the NaCl solution to the separating funnel and close it.

  • Invert the funnel, vigorously shake the solution, and release the pressure by opening the funnel's valve.

  • Repeat this process until no gas escapes when opening the valve.

  • Place the funnel on the universal stand and let it rest for 1 hour.

  • After resting, decant the lower layer of the solution, being careful not to remove any oil, and discard it.

  • Measure 100ml of the heated NaCl solution into a 100ml graduated cylinder and add it to the separating funnel, closing it.

  • Vigorously shake the funnel to release the pressure by opening the valve.

  • Let it rest again for 1 hour.

  • Discard the bottom phase.

  • Transfer the oil from the separating funnel to a beaker.

 

Oil Purification:

  • Measure 100ml of the washed oil in a 100ml graduated cylinder, transferring it to a 100ml beaker.

  • Crush almond shells, turning them into powder.

  • Weigh 3g of almond shell powder, adding it to the oil.

  • Place the beaker on a heating plate, adding a magnetic stir bar, and heat for 1 hour.

  • 1st: Set the stirrer to maximum to homogenize the oil with the powder.

  • 2nd: Then lower it to low/medium agitation (setting 4).

  • After 1 hour, turn off the heating plate and perform vacuum filtration of the oil again.

  • Transfer the filtered oil to a beaker.

  • Weigh 2g of almond shell powder and add it to the beaker with the oil.

  • Repeat the agitation process for 1 hour.

  • After 1 hour, vacuum filter the oil again and store the obtained product.

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Essencial Oil Extraction:

  • Cut the aromatic herb/cinnamon stick/fruit peel into thin strips and separate 2g.

  • Measure 20ml of ethanol in a graduated cylinder, transfer it to an Erlenmeyer flask, add the 2g of chosen material, and cover the flask.

  • Store the flask in a shaded place at room temperature.

  • Place the samples in an vaporizer for 1 hour.

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