News Coatings Technologies
Shellac reinvented: thermal advances for a natural biomaterial
A recent mini review examines how chemical modifications and polymer blending can overcome the poor thermal stability of shellac, a natural biomaterial produced by the lac bug. Enhanced thermal performance broadens its potential in coatings and high-temperature applications.
Shellac, a natural resin secreted by the lac bug Kerria lacca, is well established as a biocompatible and eco-friendly material used in coatings and biomedical applications. Despite these advantages, its limited thermal stability has long restricted its use in environments requiring resistance to elevated temperatures. A recent mini review published in the Journal of Coatings Technology and Research summarises current strategies for overcoming this drawback and expanding shellac’s application range.
The authors review the historical background of shellac alongside recent scientific developments aimed at improving its thermal characteristics. The paper focuses on two principal routes: chemical modification of the shellac structure and blending with functional polymers or inorganic additives.
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Modifications with polymers, bio-based oils and inorganic additives
Among the modifications discussed, combinations of shellac with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), epoxidised soybean oil, zirconium compounds, novolac resins and zinc oxide (ZnO) were shown to improve thermal attributes. These approaches enable a more robust network structure, thereby raising decomposition temperatures and enhancing overall heat resistance. The review outlines how each modifier contributes to specific thermal improvements, providing a comparative overview for formulators.
By systematically presenting these advances, the review highlights the potential of engineered shellac systems for use in coatings and other applications where higher thermal performance is required. The findings support the continued development of bio-based materials that combine sustainability with the technical properties needed for demanding industrial environments, positioning modified shellac as a candidate for future high-temperature applications.
Source: Kogje, M., Mestry, S. & Mhaske, S. T., Natural shellac to engineered excellence: a mini review on thermal advancements. Journal of Coatings Technology and Research 23, 1727–1749 (2026).
