Analysis of Carnauba Wax using an Agilent J&W FactorFour VF-5ht UltiMetal Column

Significance of the Topic

Carnauba wax is a versatile natural wax derived from Brazilian palm leaves. It offers a glossy finish and is widely applied in cosmetics food and industrial polishes

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluates the performance of an Agilent J W FactorFour VF-5ht UltiMetal column for gas chromatographic profiling of carnauba wax components using flame ionization detection

Methodology

Details of the analytical procedure include sample preparation solvent and chromatographic conditions to separate and quantify free acids alcohols and high molecular weight wax esters

Used Instrumentation

• Gas chromatograph with flame ionization detector
• Agilent J W FactorFour VF-5ht UltiMetal column 15 m x 0.32 mm id 0.1 um film plus 2 m retention gap
• On column injector with temperature ramp from 100 C to 400 C
• Hydrogen carrier gas at constant flow 10 mL per min

Main Results and Discussion

The method achieved clear separation of free acids and alcohols eluting at 220 C to 250 C and C46 to C54 wax esters eluting between 275 C and 400 C. Low bleed above 350 C enabled accurate detection of trace high boiling impurities and fast high temperature bake out of retained material

Benefits and Practical Applications

This approach provides a robust tool for quality control of carnauba wax in cosmetics food coatings and industrial products by enabling precise compositional analysis

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Extending high temperature inert column technology to other heavy matrices
• Coupling with mass spectrometry for enhanced identification
• Integration into automated high throughput workflows
• Real time monitoring of wax formulations

Conclusion

The analysis using the VF-5ht UltiMetal column demonstrates excellent inertness thermal stability and separative power for carnauba wax profiling supporting its use in various analytical contexts