Microcrystalline wax is 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. It is characterized by the fineness of its crystals in contrast to the larger crystal of paraffin wax. It consists of high molecular weight saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons. It is generally 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. It is commonly used in cosmetic formulations.
Specifications | Method | 75 | Cosmetics | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type 65 | Type 70 | Type 80 | ||||
1 | Appearance | Visual | Solid mass from yellow to brown color | Solid mass from light yellow to white color | ||
2 | Drop melting point, oC | ASTM D 127 | 75 - 80 | 65 - 70 | 70 - 80 | 80 - 85 |
3 | Congealing point, oC | ASTM D 938 | 70 - 75 | 58 - 63 | 63 - 73 | 73 - 78 |
4 | Needle penetration mm x 0.1 @ 25 oC | ASTM D-1321 | 18 Max. | 20 - 30 | 16 - 20 | 16 - 20 |
5 | Viscosity mm2/s @ 100oC | ASTM D 4456 | 13 – 18 | 13 – 18 | 13 – 18 | 13 – 18 |
6 | Colour | ASTM D-1500 | 4.0 Max. | 1.0 Max. | 1.0 Max. | 1.0 Max. |
7 | Flash point, oC | ASTM D 92 | 250 Min. | 250 Min. | 250 Min. | 250 Min. |