Introduction to Emulsified Wax

Emulsified wax, also known as wax emulsion, is made from natural or synthetic wax. Using the directional adsorption of an emulsifier, the wax and polar solvent form a stable dispersion under mechanical force. It appears as a white or light yellow translucent fluid (or paste).

Water-based emulsified wax particles are regular spherical with a very small particle size, ranging from approximately 10 to 500 nanometers. The particle size of emulsified wax particles is primarily controlled by the emulsifier, high temperature, high pressure, and rapid cooling during the manufacturing process.

Waxes can be divided into synthetic and natural waxes based on their source. Natural waxes include animal, plant, and mineral waxes, such as beeswax, carnauba wax, and paraffin wax. Synthetic waxes are primarily chemically synthesized polyolefin waxes, such as polyethylene wax, polypropylene wax, and polytetrafluoroethylene wax.

Different types of emulsified wax have different effects on the surface properties of coatings, with the wax's hardness, melting point, acid value, particle size, and particle size distribution having the greatest impact on surface properties.

The paraffin wax used in paraffin wax emulsions has the highest penetration, lowest hardness, and lowest melting point, making it a soft wax. Oxidized polyethylene wax emulsions have the lowest penetration, highest hardness, and highest melting point, making them a hard wax.

Mechanism of Emulsified Wax

The wax particles distributed on the surface of the coating are mostly spherical, partially embedded within the emulsion film and partially protruding from the surface. The spherical particles that primarily affect the coating's performance are those exposed on the surface.

When emulsified wax is added to varnish, the wax is suspended during film formation, protecting the top layer of the coating and thus affecting its performance.

Recommended Emulsified Wax Types

Emulsified wax is a broadly defined wax emulsion, including wax emulsions, wax dispersions, and wax microdispersions.