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CAS NUMBER: 92045-77-7
EC NUMBER: 295-459-9
Microcrystalline wax is petroleum derived wax designed for adhesives.
Microcrystalline wax exhibits high viscosity, good oil retention and is highly malleable.
Microcrystalline wax is formed by very small and flexible crystals which results in high oil affinity.
Microcrystalline wax is compatible with most vegetable, animal and mineral waxes as well as with a great variety of synthetic & natural resins.
Microcrystalline waxes are a type of wax produced by de-oiling petrolatum, as part of the petroleum refining process.
In contrast to the more familiar paraffin wax which contains mostly unbranched alkanes, microcrystalline wax contains a higher percentage of isoparaffinic (branched) hydrocarbons and naphthenic hydrocarbons.
Microcrystalline wax is characterized by the fineness of its crystals in contrast to the larger crystal of paraffin wax.
Microcrystalline wax consists of high molecular weight saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons.
Microcrystalline wax is generally darker, more viscous, denser, tackier and more elastic than paraffin waxes, and has a higher molecular weight and melting point.
The elastic and adhesive characteristics of microcrystalline waxes are related to the non-straight chain components which they contain.
Typical microcrystalline wax crystal structure is small and thin, making them more flexible than paraffin wax.
Microcrystalline wax is commonly used in cosmetic formulations.
Microcrystalline waxes when produced by wax refiners are typically produced to meet a number of ASTM specifications.
These include congeal point (ASTM D938), needle penetration (ASTM D1321), color (ASTM D6045), and viscosity (ASTM D445).
Microcrystalline waxes can generally be put into two categories: "laminating" grades and "hardening" grades.
The laminating grades typically have a melting point of 140–175 F (60 – 80 °C) and needle penetration of 25 or above.
The hardening grades will range from about 175–200 F (80 – 93 °C), and have a needle penetration of 25 or below.
Color in both grades can range from brown to white, depending on the degree of processing done at the refinery level.
Microcrystalline waxes are derived from the refining of the heavy distillates from lubricant oil production.
This by-product must then be de-oiled at a wax refinery.
Depending on the end use and desired specification, the product may then have its odor removed and color removed (which typically starts as a brown or dark yellow).
This is usually done by means of a filtration method or by hydro-treating the wax material.
Microcrystalline wax is a refined mixture of solid, saturated hydrocarbons, mainly branched paraffin, obtained from petroleum.
Microcrystalline wax, any petroleum-derived plastic material that differs from paraffin waxes in having much finer and less-distinct crystals and higher melting point and viscosity.
Microcrystalline waxes are used chiefly in laminated-paper products, in coatings and linings, and in adhesives, sealing compositions, and various types of polishes.
Microcrystalline waxes may vary widely in character depending on the crude-oil source and the method and degree of refinement.
Some are ductile, like beeswax; others are hard and brittle; and still others crumble easily during handling.
The melting-point range is higher than that of paraffin wax, with commercial grades ranging from 63° to 93° C (145° to 200° F).
The colour of microcrystalline waxes ranges from creamy white to dark brown.
Decolorization is difficult, and these waxes’ odour and taste may be undesirable in some applications.
Microcrystalline waxes may be made from the residue of crude petroleum by refining; or they may be made from petroleum jelly by removing the oil with a solvent.
Their physical properties may be controlled by the temperature of the solvents.
Methods of separation include solvent dilution, chilling, centrifuging, filtering, and various combinations of these.
Chemically, microcrystalline waxes consist of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons.
Microcrystalline wax is commonly used in cosmetics and candles, but it can also be used as a blending ingredient to increase flexibility, viscosity and hardness in other products.
Microcrystalline wax can vary in color from white to amber and ranges in texture from soft and tacky to hard and brittle, depending on the grade of microcrystalline.
Microcrystalline wax is a specific type of petroleum-based wax originally derived from crude oil.
During the petroleum refining process, the crude oil is de-oiled and leaves behind this unique type of wax.
Microcrystalline wax has a smaller crystal structure than other types of wax, making it more viscous and flexible.
The main microcrystalline properties can vary slightly depending on how refined it is.
The color will also range from white to a more brownish hue based on the stage of the refining process.
Microcrystalline wax (or amorphous wax) is a refined mixture of solid, saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, and produced by de-oiling certain fractions from the petroleum refining process.
Microcrystalline wax appears a white to colored, opaque, odorless and malleable product.
Commercially, Microcrystalline wax is available in granule, pellet, slab or liquid bulk form.
Compared to paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax has a higher melting point, the molecular structure is more branched, and the hydrocarbon chains are longer (higher molecular weight).
Microcrystalline wax is used in many different types of industry such as cosmetics, rubber, food cartons, electroplating, caulking, and castings.
In the personal care and pharmaceutical markets they are used as natural bases in lipstick, cold creams, and ointments, where they harden, lubricate, carry pigments and medication, and protect against moisture.
They are also found in dental floss.
Microcrystalline waxes are chemically inert.
The ratio of iso-paraffinic hydrocarbons and naphthenic hydrocarbons is higher for micros than for paraffin waxes.
The elastic and sticky properties of microcrystalline waxes derive from the high proportion of branched, iso-paraffins.
Microcrystalline waxes have a microscopic, crystalline structure and these small crystals provide increased flexibility compared to paraffins.
Crucial differences between micros result from: crystalline structure & size, molecular weight, and the iso-parraffin/normal paraffin ratio.
All Micros are free of odor and taste.
Microcrystalline waxes dissolve like paraffin waxes, they’re freely soluble in chloroform, ether, benzene, carbon disulfide, volatile oils and many fixed oils. Micro waxes do not dissolve in water and alcohol and dissolve only slightly in absolute alcohol.
Microcrystalline waxes are extremely tough yet are very plastic.
This makes them very ductile and flexible, even at low temperatures and they possess high tensile strength.
Micros are highly cohesive, this gives them adhesive properties and makes them resist both water vapor and water.
Microcrystalline waxes excellent for laminating, coating, or hardening materials.
Other useful properties include: changing from solid to liquid over a narrow range of temperature; their low viscosity as a liquid immediately above their melting point; their opalescence in thin films; and there electrical properties.
Micro waxes can be used for chewing gum base, cosmetics, ointments where they harden, lubricate and protect against moisture, food packaging, protecting against moisture through wax impregnated paper, film, foil, and corrugated board, increasing the fluidity and the flexible bonding of hot-melt adhesives, crayons, candles and insulating materials.
Microcrystalline Wax is a specific type of wax produced by de-oiling petroleum.
Microcrystalline wax is used in cosmetics and beauty products as a viscosity agent, binder and emollient, and is often considered an alternative to paraffin wax.
Unlike paraffin wax, Microcrystalline Wax has fine crystals, and is generally darker, more viscous, denser, tackier and more elastic than paraffin waxes.
Microcrystalline wax has elastic and adhesive characteristics, which are related to its non-straight chain components.
Microcrystalline Wax's crystal structure is small and thin, making these waxes more flexible than paraffin wax as well, according to Wikipedia.
The fine crystal structure also enables microcrystalline wax to bind solvents or oil, preventing the sweating-out of compositions, according to the International Group, Inc., the preeminent manufacturer of Microcrystalline Waxes.
MicroCrystalline Wax is a high melt temperature paraffin with a more plastic nature.
Microcrystalline wax is used in beehives for frame dipping when mixed with paraffin wax.
MicroCrystalline wax is a key ingredient for use in dip and carve candle making.
The microcrystalline wax market consists of numerous applications.
As a leading microcrystalline wax supplier, Sonneborn offers a broad line of microcrystalline waxes that are used in everything from food and cosmetics to polishes, laminates and sealants.
Microcrystalline wax plays an important role in the food industry.
Among its many applications are chewing gum bases and cold-flexible coatings for cheese wheels.
In personal care and pharmaceutical markets Microcrystalline waxes are natural bases in lipstick, cold creams, and ointments, where they harden, lubricate, carry pigments and medication, and protect against moisture.
Microcrystalline wax helps hot melt adhesives flow readily and form flexible bonds.
Many of the wax products we use daily, from crayons, candles, and caulk to sealants and fine wood polishes, start with Sonneborn Multiwax.
Our microcrystalline waxes also act as carriers for compounds used to create a rust preventive coating in a wide range of markets.
Microcrystalline wax is derived from the refining of the heavy fractions of lubricating oils.
These waxes contains higher amounts of branched and naphthenichydrocarbons compared to the paraffin waxes which contain more normal hydrocarbons.
This chemical composition of different hydrocarbon types causes the wax to form small, micro crystals compared to the more crystalline paraffin waxes.
This micro-crystal formation brings about waxes with unique properties highly sort after in different applications.
Microcrystalline wax is characterized as a higher melting point wax which is relatively soft.
In general, the presence of the non-normal hydrocarbons renders the microcrystalline waxes more flexible and tackier.
Microcrystalline waxes are used as blend components in applications where solvent binding, oil binding, flexibility and tackiness are required such as curtain coatings, flexible packaging, polishes and explosion emulsions.
Micro wax are relatively soft & flexible and known for their good adhesive properties.
Further, these also have high sealing strength and thus used as a bonding agent in laminated sheet material and for other allied applications.
In addition, the waxes form a smooth paste and added withoils or solvents, which makes these suitable for making polish formulations.
Thus, these waxes are used in printing inks & general purpose lubricant in industries.
Microcrystalline wax is a type of wax produced by DE-oiling petrolatum, as part of the petroleum refining process.
Microcrystalline wax contains the high percentage of ISO paraffinic (branched) hydrocarbons and naphthenic hydrocarbons.
Microcrystalline wax is characterized by the fineness of its crystals in contrast to the larger crystal of paraffin wax.
Microcrystalline wax consists of high molecular weight saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons. Microcrystalline wax is generally darker, more viscous, denser, tackier and more elastic than paraffin waxes, and has a higher molecular weight and melting point.
The elastic and adhesive characteristics of microcrystalline waxes are related to the non-straight chain components which they contain.
The typical microcrystalline wax crystal structure is small and thin, making them more flexible than paraffin wax.
In contrast to paraffin, microcrystalline waxes may vary widely in character depending on the crude-oil source and the method and degree of refinement.
Some are ductile, like beeswax; others are hard and brittle, and still others crumble easily during handling.
The melting-point range is higher than that of paraffin wax, with commercial grades ranging from 63° to 93° C (145° to 200° F).
The color of microcrystalline waxes ranges from creamy white to dark brown.
Decolorization is difficult, and these waxes’ odor and taste may be undesirable in some applications.
Microcrystalline Waxes are generally stronger, more flexible and higher in melting point than Paraffin Wax.
Micro Waxes are superior binders of solvent and oil, more viscous and exhibit excellent gelling properties.
Microcrystalline waxes are elastic and often "sticky" or "tacky".
This is because of the high proportion of multi-branched hydrocarbon chains (iso-paraffins) as opposed to straight-branched chains (normals).
While normal paraffins form large crystals, iso-normal paraffins form micro-crystals.
These small crystals give an amorphous structure to the product making our Indramic products very flexible in contrast to the brittle nature of normal paraffins.
When testing to determine whether a wax is a "micro" or not, the crucual parameters are 1) molecular weight and 2) the iso-paraffin/normal paraffin ratio.
Molecular weights of Indramic products range from approximately 580 to 700; this implies an average carbon number of 41 to 50.
Microcrystalline wax are moisture free and range in color from a white to a brown, depending on the degree of refinement.
Microcrystalline waxes dissolve similar to paraffin waxes: in chloroform, ether, benzene, carbon disulfide, volatile oils and other fixed oils.
Micros do not dissolve in water/alcohol mixtures and dissolve only slightly in absolute alcohol.
Indramic products are ductile and flexible, even at relatively low temperatures; they possess high tensile strength.
Micros are highly cohesive; this gives them adhesive properties and makes them resist both water vapor and liquid water.
USES:
Microcrystalline wax is often used in industries such as tire and rubber, candles, adhesives, corrugated board, cosmetics, castings, and others.
Refineries may use blending facilities to combine paraffin and microcrystalline waxes; this is prevalent in the tire and rubber industries.
Microcrystalline waxes have considerable application in the custom making of jewelry and small sculptures.
Different formulations produce waxes from those soft enough to be molded by hand to those hard enough to be carved with rotary tools.
The melted wax can be cast to make multiple copies that are further carved with details.
Jewelry suppliers sell wax molded into the basic forms of rings as well as details that can be heat welded together and tubes and sheets for cutting and building the wax models.
Rings may be attached to a wax "tree" so that many can be cast in one pouring.
A brand of microcrystalline wax, Renaissance Wax, is also used extensively in museum and conservation settings for protection and polishing of antique woods, ivory, gemstones, and metal objects.
Microcrystalline wax was developed by The British Museum in the 1950s to replace the potentially unstable natural waxes that were previously used such as beeswax and carnauba.
Microcrystalline waxes are excellent materials to use when modifying the crystalline properties of paraffin wax.
The microcrystalline wax has significantly more branching of the carbon chains that are the backbone of paraffin wax.
This is useful when some desired functional changes in the paraffin are needed, such as flexibility, higher melt point, and increased opacity.
They are also used as slip agents in printing ink.
Microcrystalline wax is used in such sports as ice hockey and snowboarding.
Microcrystalline wax is applied to the friction tape of an ice hockey stick to prevent degradation of the tape due to water destroying the glue on the tape and also to increase control of the hockey puck due to the wax’s adhesive quality.
Microcrystalline wax is also applied to the underside of snowboards to reduce friction and increase the gliding ability of the board, making it easier to control.
Microcrystalline wax was used in the final phases of the restoration of the Cosmatesque pavement.
Microcrystalline wax is also a key component in the manufacture of petrolatum.
The branched structure of the carbon chain backbone allows oil molecules to be incorporated into the crystal lattice structure.
The desired properties of the petrolatum can be modified by using microcrystalline wax bases of different congeal points (ASTM D938) and needle penetration (ASTM D1321).
However, key industries that utilize petrolatum, such as the personal care, cosmetic, and candle industries, have pushed for more materials that are considered "green" and based on renewable resources.
As an alternative, hybrid petrolatum can be used.
Hybrid petrolatum utilizes a complex mixture of vegetable oils and waxes and combines them with petroleum and micro wax-based technologies.
Microcrystalline wax allows a formulator to incorporate higher percentages of renewable resources while maintaining the beneficial properties of the petrolatum.
-Health and grooming products:
Many ointments, lotions, moisturizing creams, sunscreens and other products contain microcrystalline wax.
The material helps give the product the right viscosity and keeps it soft.
-Cosmetic products:
Microcrystalline wax helps mascara repel water, is used as a binding agent for pressed powder and gives structure to lipsticks, eyeliners and lip liners, preventing the product from crumbling.
-A grease thickener:
Microcrystalline wax can be used in a wide variety of greases and gel products as a thickener or to make the product stronger.
-Sports equipment:
Microcrystalline wax is used for skis and snowboards to reduce friction and help them glide over the snow easier.
Microcrystalline wax can also give more control to the skier or snowboarder. The wax is also commonly used in hockey to protect parts of the hockey stick and give players better control of the puck.
-An additive to other waxes:
A small amount of microcrystalline wax can be added to others, such as paraffin, to improve the texture, flexibility, water resistance and other properties.
-Adhesives:
Microcrystalline wax is also quite sticky, and individuals can use it as an adhesive for various projects, including bookbinding and carpet backing.
APPLICATION:
In cosmetics Microcrystalline waxes are form excellent viscosity control, thickening agent, helping prevent emulsions from separating into their oil and liquid components.
These waxes reduce brittleness of stick products and add strength and stability to lipsticks.
In leisure activities they are used as slip assists in skis and snowboards, conversely as a grip component in surfboards and hockey stick waxes.
As a product group, Microcrystalline Waxes provide strength, rigidity and superior oil retention qualities, stabilizing blends and extending the shelf life of formulations.
Colours available range from white through yellow to dark brown in appearance.
-Base for chewing gum, lipstick, cold creams, and ointments (where they harden, lubricate, carry additives, and protect against moisture)
-Food packaging, moisture proofing, film, foil, and corrugated board
-Increasing the fluidity and the flexible bonding of hot-melt adhesives
-Crayons, candles and caulk to sealants and fine polishes
-Host for compounds that prevent rust
-Insulating materials
-Adhesives & Sealants
-Agriculture
-Cosmetics & Personal Care
-Packaging Materials
-Leather & Textiles
-Rubber
FUNCTION:
-Component of chewing gum base
-protective coating
-antifoaming agent
-surface finishing agent
FEATURES:
Microcrystalline Wax is a specific type of wax produced by de-oiling petroleum.
Microcrystalline wax is used in cosmetics and beauty products as a viscosity agent, binder and emollient, and is often considered an alternative to paraffin wax.
Unlike paraffin wax, Microcrystalline Wax has fine crystals, and is generally darker, more viscous, denser, tackier and more elastic than paraffin waxes.
Microcrystalline wax has elastic and adhesive characteristics, which are related to its non-straight chain components.
Microcrystalline Wax's crystal structure is small and thin, making these waxes more flexible than paraffin wax as well, according to Wikipedia.
“The fine crystal structure also enables microcrystalline wax to bind solvents or oil, preventing the sweating-out of compositions,” according to the International Group, Inc., the preeminent manufacturer of Microcrystalline Waxes.
Microcrystalline Wax is seen in a variety of cosmetics and beauty products for the following uses: Creams and Lotions as a viscosity builder and emollient; Waterproof Mascara as a water repelling agent; Eyeliner pencils as a structure formation agent; Pressed powder as a binder to add softness; Lipsticks for structure formation; Hair Care as an ingredient in styling waxes.
PROPERTIES:
-Soluble in hydrocarbons
-Acid value=0
-Iodine value=0
-Saponification value=0
-Melting Point (°C) = 60-93
-Density (g/cm3) = 0.915-0.941
-Refractive Index = 1.441
SYNONYM:
XOF597Q3KY
63231-60-7
Microcrystalline wax
Petroleum wax, microcrystalline
Wax, microcrystalline [NF]
Paraffin waxes and Hydrocarbon waxes, microcryst.
EINECS 264-038-1
Microcrystalline paraffin waxes and hydrocarbon waxes
UNII-XOF597Q3KY
Wax, microcrystalline
EC 264-038-1
