MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX

In general, microcrystalline waxes fall into two categories: “laminate” grades and “hardness” grades. Typically, laminate grades have a melting point between 140-175°F (60-80°C) and a needle penetration of at least 25. Hardening grades vary from around 175 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (80 to 93 degrees Celsius) and have a needle penetration of 25 or less. The color of both grades may range from brown to white, depending on the refinery’s amount of processing.

Chemically speaking, microcrystalline waxes are inert. Microcrystalline waxes have a greater proportion of iso-paraffinic to naphthenic hydrocarbons than paraffin waxes. The significant concentration of branching iso-paraffins in microcrystalline waxes is responsible for their elastic and adhesive characteristics. The waxes have a minuscule crystalline structure, and these tiny crystals provide more flexibility than paraffins. The crystalline structure and size, the molecular weight, and the ratio of iso-paraffin to regular paraffin determine the most distinguishing characteristics amongst microcrystalline waxes. All Microcrystalline waxes are odorless and tasteless.

WHAT IS MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX?

Microcrystalline wax is a form of petroleum-derived wax that has a tiny crystal size and an amorphous structure. After the distillation of lighter hydrocarbons like gasoline and kerosene, it is made by refining the heavier, more viscous fractions of crude oil.

Compared to other forms of waxes like paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax has a greater melting point and is more elastic and sticky. It is often utilized in a wide range of industrial applications, including the creation of candles, cosmetics, polishes, and coatings.

In order to give confectionery and pastry goods a glossy look, microcrystalline wax is frequently employed as a glazing agent in the food sector. When used within the restrictions imposed by regulatory bodies like the US Food and Drug Administration, it is regarded as safe for human consumption (FDA).

We export the highest-quality Microcrystalline Wax in different types and grades from Iran, Turkey, and the UAE to other countries around the world.

• Iran Microcrystalline Wax
• Turkey Microcrystalline Wax
• UAE Microcrystalline Wax

MICROCRYSTALLINE WAXES PRODUCTION

The refinement of heavy distillates from the manufacturing of lubricating oil yields microcrystalline waxes. After that, the by-product must be deoiled in a wax refinery. The product may be deodorized and decolored depending on the ultimate usage and required parameters (which usually starts off as brown or dark yellow). This is normally accomplished by the use of filtration or by hydraulic treatment of the wax substance.

Microcrystalline waxes are often made to fulfill a variety of ASTM requirements. These are some examples:

1. Point of impassability (ASTM D938)
2. Penetration (ASTM D1321)
3. Color (ASTM D6045)
4. Viscosity (ASTM D445)

Petronaft offers microcrystalline wax in both granule and slab forms.

MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX PROPERTIES

Microcrystalline waxes are readily soluble in chloroform, ether, benzene, carbon disulfide, volatile oils, and many fixed oils, similar to paraffin waxes. Micro waxes are insoluble in water and alcohol, and just slightly soluble in pure alcohol. Microcrystalline waxes are exceedingly brittle but incredibly malleable. This renders them very ductile and flexible, even at low temperatures, as well as endowed with a high tensile strength. Microcrystalline waxes are very cohesive, which provides them adhesive characteristics and water and water vapor resistance. Excellent for laminating, coating, and hardening materials are microcrystalline waxes. Other important qualities include solid-to-liquid transition over a restricted temperature range, low viscosity as a liquid just above their melting point, opalescence in thin coatings.

 MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX SPECIFICATIONS

MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX BENEFITS

1. Due to its various functional features, microcrystalline wax is used in a broad variety of applications. These are some of its capabilities:
2. Microcrystalline wax enhances the texture of personal care and cosmetic items such as lipstick, foundation, and skin care solutions.
3. This form of wax improves the consistency of items by making them more rigid, thicker, or easier to distribute.
4. Providing uniformity: With microcrystalline wax, you may provide more color consistency and sheen to cosmetics and personal care items, making them more aesthetically pleasing.
5. Preventing perspiration: Microcrystalline wax helps reduce perspiration resulting from temperature variations in goods such as lipstick.
6. Achieving great flexibility: This material’s structure is more flexible than that of other waxes, allowing it to give high tensile strength without breaking.

COMPARISON OF MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX AND PARAFFIN WAX

When microcrystalline waxes are compared to paraffin wax, the fineness of microcrystalline wax crystals, which consist of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons with a high molecular weight, is measured. It is often darker, more viscous, denser, more elastic, and has a greater molecular weight and melting temperature than paraffin waxes.

The presence of indirect chain components in microcrystalline waxes is connected to their elastic and sticky capabilities. The tiny and thin crystal structure of common microcrystalline wax makes it more flexible than paraffin wax; for this reason, it is often utilized in cosmetic compositions.