An improved process for the extraction and purification of wax obtained from the flesh of sisal

摘要

Purified sisal wax is obtained from sisal flesh by extraction with a hot organic solvent followed by treatment of the extract solution with an absorbent material which eliminates resinous matter, chlorophyll and other impurities, the purified wax being finally obtained from the clean extract solution by distilling off the solvent. The absorbent may be added to the extract solution in comminuted form and then removed by filtration or the extract solution may be percolated through a column of the absorbent. The solvents specified comprise hydrocarbons such as benzene, light petroleum, petroleum ether, chlorinated hydrocarbons such as trichlorethylene, alcohols such as ethyl alcohol and azeotropic mixtures such as benzene and ethyl alcohol azeotrope. The extraction of the sisal flesh may be effected under reflux or by repeated leachings of the material with hot solvent. The absorbent material specified comprises activated carbon, bone charcoal, alumina and bone meal. Specification 630,271 is referred to.