Utilisation of gummy mass—a by-product of Lac industry

Abstract

Attempt has been made to find utilization of gummy mass, a by-product of lac-based industry. High thermal resistant baking type insulating varnishes have been developed based on gummy mass and synthetic resins. These varnishes possess all the basic requirements as per IS:10026-1982. The performance of one of the varnishes was found to be satisfactory by a local consumer when applied on the coils of a 220kW 6.6 kV electric motor. Gummy mass was further attempted for use as an extender in polyester resin based sheet moulding compound (SMC) for preparing fibre-glass reinforced (FRP) sheets. The FRP sheets thus prepared by hand lay-up technique and curing in the cold, possessed good mechanical properties and moderate resistance towards various chemicals. Gummy mass, being cheaper compared to polyester resin, appears to possess potential for utilization in the above fields.