Research on Extraction and Refinement of Gutta-Percha from Eucommia Ulmoides Leaves after Comprehensive Utilization

Abstract

The research presented in the paper focuses on the specific process of Gutta-percha extraction and refinement. Gutta-percha was extracted from the residues of leaves, which is based on the comprehensive utilization technology of Eucommia Ulmoides leaves. After extracted and separated chlorophyll, β-carotene, lignans, aucubin, chlorogenic acid, flavonoid, polysaccharide and proteins, etc. with the method of Multi-stage Countercurrent Extraction, the green leaves changed into the residues, which was then steeped in petroleum ether (whose boiling range is from 60 to 90°C) and generated precipitation in acetone. The results of this research indicate that: Gutta-percha extracted from the residues owns light color, which resolves the big issue that the gum was restricted for deep color in exportation. Besides, the yield of the gum in this experiment is approximate 2.0%, the increasing rate rising by 17.6% compared with 1.7% of other immediate extraction methods’. What’s more, the cost of the process flows introduced in the paper is lower than others, with less consumption, less waste and more efficient solvent circle utilization. And a new way for gutta-percha extraction was presented.