Abstract
Close to 100 species of coccoids, grouped as insects, produce an oleoresin, better known as the shellac. Being sap-suckers, these insects inflict damage to some plants as well. Between 1930 and the World War II years, shellac was the main component in the 78 rpm phonograph discs. The ability of lac to form films on various surfaces encouraged its use as an insulating material at electrical junctions and in the manufacture of moulding, adhesive and binding materials. In recent years, lac is used in coating pharmaceutical products for absorption in the hind gut and not in the stomach of humans. Lacquer, a product derived from lac, is useful in realizing an elegant sheen to painted wooden products.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 886-890 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Current Science |
| Volume | 106 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| Publication status | Published - Mar 2014 |