Catechu

Infobox on Catechu
Example of Catechu	240px
Facts
Origin	-
Stowage factor (in m3/t)	-
Humidity / moisture	-
Ventilation	-
Risk factors	-

Catechu

Description

An extract from the plant Acacia Catechu used medically, in textile dyeing and the tanning industry. Usually packed in wooden cases or bags.

Will melt at temperatures of approx. 32°C and harden in cooler temperatures. Liable to absorb moisture, also to lose weight and suffer loss through drainage. There may be loss in weight of cases, due to the use of damp timber. If them liquor of extraction is allowed to cool before concentration, crystallization will occur and the crystallized solid can be separated from the liquor by filtration. This solid is known as ‘Catechin’ or ‘Katha’ and the filtrate which is then usually concentrated to a solid is known as ‘Cutch’.

Cutch - A tannin having a blackish-brown crystalline appearance. Is brittle and susceptible to heat and moisture, heat causing the clutch to soften. Dissolves in water and moisture will cause staining of boxes or bags. Should not be stacked more than ten bags high or over-stowed by heavy goods. Bags of cutch unevenly stacked are liable to break. Melts easily, in which condition it becomes blocked. This may be regarded as a natural incident of transit.

Katha - Usually marketed in tablet form. The outside of a cake varies in colour from light grey to a very dark brown and the appearance of the fracture is that of coloured chalk or clay. Damage to the case should not cause damage to the products inside except through loss, and provided the gunny remains intact there should be little loss. These products should not be exposed to wet as they are hygroscopic substances and, in the case of Katha particularly, if allowed to become damp, will get mouldy.

Full information on this product is in the process of completion.