Specialty synthetic waxes are among the advanced petrochemical products we produce at Trecora. They are used by customers in a variety of sectors. Some of our customers rely on them to make better adhesives, coatings, and paints. Specialty synthetic waxes open the door to optimized formulations that offer superior performance.
Specialty Wax Typical Applications
The specialty waxes we produce are more than suitable for several typical applications. Let us start with adhesives. The waxes improve processing and adhesion properties. They also improve temperature stability and the ability to control surface tack and oil migration.
In the paints and coatings environment, specialty waxes are preferred for enhancing durability and appearance. They are more than suitable for aesthetic, industrial, and protective coatings.
Typical Functional Roles
Specialty synthetic waxes are included in product formulas on a case-by-case basis. In other words, a wax performs a functional role based on the application at hand. Here are a few examples to demonstrate the point:
- Surface Modification – A specialty wax can be added to a paint or coating to modify its surface. A manufacturer might want to improve tactile feel or create a special effect, like matting.
- Abrasion Resistance – Adding a specialty wax to a coating or paint can make it more resistant to abrasions. The result is a longer lifespan.
- Lubrication – When applied to adhesives, specialty waxes act as lubricants. They make for better processing and application at lower temperatures.
- Product Uniformity – The right specialty waxes improve uniformity in adhesives, coatings, and paints. For example, pigments and fillers in paint settle more uniformly with waxes. This improved stability.
- Migration Control – A specialty wax applied to an adhesive can greatly enhance migration control. Reducing oil migration improves a product’s adhesion and long-term performance.
Since adhesives, paints, and coatings can be pretty complex in their formulations, manufacturers need the ability to be very specific about their choice of specialty waxes and the properties each wax brings to bear. We make it possible by giving manufacturers the opportunity to specify the exact properties they want in their waxes.
Specialty Wax Forms
We are also able to give manufacturers a choice of forms. For example, specialty waxes can be manufactured as micronized powders. A correctly formulated powder offers uniform dispersion and controlled surface effects for both coatings and paints.
Dispersions and emulsions are another preferred form. They are often used in water-based systems. Wax emulsions, in particular, are especially attractive for manufacturing high-gloss finishes.
Specialty synthetic waxes can also be manufactured as pre-blends. These are pre-formulated blends that deliver consistent performance while also simplifying the manufacturing process. Pre-blends are quite useful for manufacturing coatings and paints.
Tell Us Exactly What You Need
If you have been looking for a unique type of specialty wax but have not been able to find it, we invite you to reach out to Trecora. Among the advantages we offer is the ability to produce specialty waxes with customizable characteristics. Tell us exactly what you need. There is a good chance we can produce it.
Our specialty synthetic waxes constitute essential additives that make your manufacturing processes more consistent and efficient. They are additives that can make your paints, coatings, and inks better. Whether you are looking to improve performance or streamline manufacturing, specialty waxes might be exactly what you need.
Trecora is an industry leader in specialty chemicals. As a petrochemical processor, we can produce unique chemicals that could otherwise be hard to come by. Our team would be happy to sit down with yours to discuss your specialty chemical needs.
