Glazing agent
A glazing agent is a natural or synthetic substance that provides a waxy, homogeneous coating to prevent water loss from a surface and provide other protection.
Natural
Natural glazing agents keep moisture inside plants and insects. Scientists harnessed this characteristic in coatings made of substances classified as waxes. A natural wax is chemically defined as an ester with a very long hydrocarbon chain that also includes a long chain alcohol.Examples are:
- Stearic acid
- Beeswax
- Candelilla wax
- Carnauba wax
- Shellac
- Microcrystalline wax, Crystalline wax
- Lanolin
- Oxidized polyethylene wax
- Esters of colophonium
- Paraffin
Synthetic
- Some of the characteristics that are looked for in all of the above industries are:
- *1. Preservation – the glazing agent must protect the product from degradation and water loss. This characteristic can lead to a longer shelf life for a food or the longevity of a car without rusting.
- *2. Stability – the glazing agent must maintain its integrity under pressure or heat.
- *3. Uniform viscosity – this ensures a stronger protective coating that can be applied to the product as a homogeneous layer.
- *4. Industrial reproduction – because most glazing agents are used on commercial goods and therefore large quantities of glazing agent may be needed.