Handy Wax Facts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 









 

One gallon paraffin wax = approximately 6.75 lbs.

One gallon microcrystalline wax = approximately 7.0 lbs.

One cubic foot of wax = approximately 7.48 gals.

Paraffin wax - molecular weight range 320 to 560

Paraffin wax - a mixture composed principally of normal paraffins and some iso and cyclo paraffin hydrocarbons.

Microcrystalline wax - molecular weight range 550 to 800.

 

Standard Wax Tests

Tests
(ASTM METHOD)

Definition

Melting Points

D-87, Cooling curve
D-127, Drop Point
D-938, Congealing
AMP, Melt Point

D-87 is used for paraffin waxes only;
D-127 for micro waxes and wax blends;
D-938 for petrolatums
AMP=D-87 + 3 ºF.

Penetration

D1321, Needle Penetration

A measure of wax Hardness; higher penetration value indicates a softer wax. Penetration temperatures normally used are 77ºF, 100ºF and 110ºF.

Viscosity

D-88 Saybolt
D-445 Kinematic
D-2161 Conversions

A measure of fluidity or pumpability of liquid wax usually determined at 210ºF. The D-445 method is normally used and the results converted to SUS. Paraffin waxes typically test 40 SUS and micros are usually 75 SUS and above.

Oil Content

D-721 Oil Content

That component of a wax or waxblends which is extractable with MEK. Low oil content (<1.0%) indicates fully refined wax, higher oil contents indicate semi-refined (>1.0%) and scale grade (>2.0%).

Color

D-1500
D-156 Saybolt

D-156 method is used for testing water-white paraffin; D-1500 test is used for waxes having a yellow and darker color - typically micros.

Odor

D-1833, Odor Rating
D-1832, Peroxide No.

D-1833 is a numerical rating for odor intensity;
D-1832 is quantitative measure of oxidation.

Block Point

D-1465, Block Temperature

The Minimum temperature at shich two pieces of waxed paper stick together when in intimate contact.
Gas Chromatography An instrumental method of determining carbon number distribution of components in a wax by distillation from a substrate.

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