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Citation: Yingxian Wang, Tianye Su, Limiao Shen, Jinping Gao, Qinghe Wu. Introduction of Chinese Lacquer from the Perspective of Chemistry: Popularizing Chemistry in Lacquer and Inherit Lacquer Art[J]. University Chemistry, ;2024, 39(5): 371-379. doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202312015 shu

Introduction of Chinese Lacquer from the Perspective of Chemistry: Popularizing Chemistry in Lacquer and Inherit Lacquer Art

College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, Guangdong Province, China

Received Date: 4 December 2023
Revised Date: 4 February 2024

The use of lacquer in China for thousands of years has resulted in the development of a unique lacquer art culture. The “lacquer” refers to urushi lacquer, which is collected from lacquer trees. Lacquer phenol undergoes series of chemical reactions to form a solid film with excellent properties, such as moisture resistance, high temperature resistance, and resistance to acid and alkali. Adding color powder into lacquer can produce a brilliant color paint, which is widely used in jewelry, anti-corrosion and cultural relics restoration. From the perspective of chemistry, the chemical composition, properties of lacquer and the chemical reaction of urushiol to lacquer film are introduced. Also, a series of popular science experiments are designed to verify what is lacquer and its excellent properties so that the people can deeply understand the ubiquity and importance of chemistry. The introduction of the history of lacquer, and the hands-on participation of primary and secondary school students in lacquerware production and lacquer painting drawing could exercise hands-on ability of young people, and convey the lacquer culture and the craftsman spirit of lacquer artists. The combination of lacquer art and chemistry can help the people to appreciate the beauty of lacquer art, realize the crucial role of chemistry in lacquer, and stimulate their interest in chemistry, therefore, realize the purpose of carrying forward the intangible cultural heritage of lacquer art and spreading the scientific knowledge of chemistry.
- Lacquer,
- Urushiol,
- Chemical paint,
- Intangible cultural heritage,
- Popular science experiment
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