Oriental Lacquer: A Natural Polymer

The analysis of components, modification, synthesis, processing, and applications of Oriental lacquer are reviewed in this paper. The structures and biological activities of lacquer polysaccharides, lipid components including urushiol, laccol, and thitsiol, the structure and activities of the lacquer enzyme laccase and the advantages of fast drying of refined lacquer over raw lacquer as well as hybrid lacquer are discussed. Lacquer was synthesized based on the components of lacquer sap and a detailed discussion of the enzyme polymerization and auto-oxidation of lacquer are also included. In addition, an overview of lacquerware processing and possible applications of lacquer in industry will be presented.