Beeswax, also known as yellow wax, is a natural substance produced by worker bees. It is secreted from four pairs of wax glands located on the underside of their abdomens. The primary components of beeswax include long-chain fatty acids, free fatty alcohols, and carbohydrates. In addition, it contains carotenoids, vitamin A, and various aromatic compounds, contributing to its unique properties.
Beeswax has a wide range of applications in both industrial and agricultural sectors. In the cosmetics industry, it's commonly used in products such as lotions, lipsticks, and makeup removers. In candle making, beeswax serves as a key ingredient for producing high-quality candles. In pharmaceuticals, it is used in dental waxes, pill coatings, and base waxes. In the food industry, it acts as a coating agent for fruits and as a packaging material. Additionally, it is used in agriculture for protecting fruit trees and in beekeeping for constructing hive combs and wax bowls.
According to GB/T 2431-2009, beeswax must meet certain physicochemical standards. Its melting point should be between 62°C and 67°C, and the refractive index at 75°C should range from 1.4410 to 1.4430. To measure the refractive index, an Abbe refractometer is typically used. One example is the ATAGO NAR-2T high-temperature Abbe refractometer, which can reach up to 120°C, making it ideal for testing beeswax samples. It is widely used by companies like Hangzhou Bee Words Bee Industry Co., Ltd. and Hangzhou Tianchu Honey Source Health Products Co., Ltd.
Another option is the fully automatic digital desktop refractometer, the Rx-5000i, which features built-in Peltier temperature control. This model offers greater convenience and accuracy when measuring the refractive index of substances like propolis or beeswax.
**Test Procedure:**
1. Set the temperature control to 75°C.
2. Calibrate the device using pure water to adjust the zero point.
3. Place the beeswax sample into the sample chamber and allow it to melt until the temperature stabilizes at 75°C.
4. Press the test button to obtain the refractive index reading.
5. Repeat the measurement three times and take the average.
6. Clean the sample cell with warm water.
7. Proceed to test the next sample.
The Rx-5000i offers several advantages over traditional Abbe refractometers:
1. It eliminates the need to melt the sample first and transfer it to the prism; the sample simply melts during the temperature-controlled process.
2. The built-in Peltier system provides faster and more precise temperature control compared to water bath methods.
3. The large LCD screen displays results directly without the need for manual adjustments or visual readings.
4. It offers higher accuracy, with a precision of ±0.00003 RI.
This method can also be applied to other high-melting-point materials. If you're interested in learning more about the equipment or would like to request a sample for testing, feel free to contact the ATAGO China Branch at 020-38393021. We look forward to serving you.
20 KV Oil Immersed Transformer
20 Kv Oil Immersed Transformer,Power-Saving Oil-Immersed Transformer,High Efficiency Oil-Immersed Transformer,Dust-Proof Oil-Immersed Transformer
Tianhong Electric Power Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.tianhongtransformer.com