Natural shellac to engineered excellence: a mini review on thermal advancements
摘要
Shellac is one of the most widely explored materials when it comes to biomaterials. The lac bug Kerria lacca produces shellac and is prized for its biocompatibility, eco-friendliness, and adaptability in uses, such as coatings and biomedical materials. Its poor thermal stability, however, limits its application in high-temperature environments. This paper examines current developments in improving shellac’s thermal characteristics using a variety of techniques, such as chemical alterations and polymer blending. By using these methods, shellac’s thermal attributes have been enhanced. The review also enlists some of the major applications of the material. The rich history of shellac, enhancement in thermal properties by using different chemical additions and modifications, along with some major applications, summarizes this review. Modifications with materials, like HPMC, epoxidized soyabean oil, zirconium, novolac, and ZnO, aided in enhancing the thermal attribute(s). The provided modifications will also help bring the material, like shellac, into high-temperature applications.