|
 Microcrystalline Waxes: Macro-Flexibility
Microcrystalline Waxes are products derived from petroleum, consisting of complex hydrocarbon mixtures that include normal paraffin, as well as of monocyclic and polycyclic compounds, which are products with a ramified molecular structure. Microcrystalline Waxes have a very high average molecular weight (580-700), with a chain length between 40 and 50 carbon atoms, resulting in a high viscosity, considerably higher than that observed in Paraffin Waxes.
Unlike Paraffin Waxes, which are formed by macro-crystals, Microcrystalline Waxes are formed by very small and flexible crystals, which results in a higher oil affinity (oil gets literally “trapped” inside the microcrystalline structure and is not able to migrate to the surface). Due to these distinctive properties, Microcrystalline Waxes are highly malleable and less fragile than Paraffin Waxes.
Microcrystalline Waxes are compatible with most vegetable, animal and mineral waxes, as well as with a great variety of synthetic and natural resins. Their properties make them an essential raw material for a wide range of applications including cosmetics, chewing gum, paper, cardboard, industrial coatings, candles, anticorrosive coatings, adhesives and textile products, among others.
Properties of Microcrystalline Waxes
|
Code
|
Product
|
Melting Point
|
Penetration
|
Color
|
|
2001
|
Microcrystalline Wax
|
178-189
|
15-20
|
1.5-2.5
|
|
2002
|
Amber Wax
|
172-183
|
15 max.
|
7.0 max.
|
|
2003
|
Yellow Slack
|
147-160
|
30-50
|
5.0 max.
|
|
2005
|
Amber Petrolatum 158
|
122 min
|
60 min
|
7.5 max.
|
|
2014
|
Modeling Clay Base Wax
|
153-171
|
90-125
|
4.5 max.
|
|
2015
|
Modeling Clay Wax
|
153-171
|
90-125
|
4.5 max.
|
|
2017
|
Microcrystalline Wax
|
162-172
|
-
|
2.0 max.
|
|
2022
|
White Microcrystalline Wax
|
154-165
|
16-33
|
+8 min.
|
|
2024
|
Mulprox 2024
|
176-189
|
10-25
|
0.5 max.
|
|
2031
|
Mulprox 2031
|
144-162
|
18-30
|
4.5 max.
|
|
2033
|
Microcrystalline Wax
|
172-187
|
16 max.
|
3.0 max.
|
|
2036
|
Nozono Wax 29-32
|
158-169
|
20 max.
|
2.0 max.
|
|
2037
|
Nozono Wax 31-33
|
154-165
|
20 max.
|
1.5 max.
|
|
2038
|
Nozono Wax A
|
156-176
|
20 max.
|
4.0 max.
|
|
2055
|
Cream Paraffin
|
135-153
|
35-45
|
2.0 max.
|
|
2063
|
Gasket Wax 0-202
|
153 min
|
65-75
|
4.5 max.
|
|
2065
|
Crayon Wax
|
144-158
|
30-45
|
3.5 max.
|
|
2075
|
Campeche Wax
|
172-180
|
20-35
|
7.0 max.
|
|
2085
|
Wick Wax
|
154-181
|
15 max.
|
1.0 max.
|
Notes:
Melting Point (ºF) by ASTM D127 method [figures in red, Congealing Point (ºF) by ASTM D938]. Penetration (dmm) ASTM D1321. Color ASTM D1500 (figures in green, ASTM D156).
Comparison
between Paraffin Waxes and Microcrystalline Waxes
Paraffin Waxes |
Microcrystalline Waxes |
They consist of linear-saturated compounds |
They have a higher percentage of ramified and cyclic structures |
Their carbon number is around 18-40 |
Their carbon number is around 40-50 |
Their molecular weight is around 360-420 |
Their molecular weight is around 580-700 |
Their melting point is 115-154 ºF |
Their melting point is 149-189 °F |
They present a bright appearance |
They present an opaque appearance |
They fracture under cut conditions |
They are resistant to fractures |
All paraffin grades break under compression |
They are plastic and tend to flow under compression |
They do not have capacity to hold oil in their structure |
They have capacity to hold oil in their structure, getting softer and plastic |
They are transparent when forming films |
They are opaque when forming films |
They fracture when applied in the film form |
They do not fracture when forming films |
They contract significantly when solidifying |
They contract slightly when solidifying |
Their average viscosity is around 30-45 SUS at 212 ºF |
Their average viscosity is around 55-100 SUS at 212 ºF |
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