bio-based wax emulsions

Waxes are mixtures of molecular chains that may have different chemical functionality or chain length. Depending on the specific composition, the ultimate properties of the wax can vary significantly. This leads to differences in the melt point, congealing point, melting range, hardness, color, and emulsifiability.

Natural or bio-based waxes will not be able to approach the high melting points or hardness of certain synthetic waxes like HDPE. For this reason, there are certain applications in which comparable performance cannot be achieved with natural or bio-based waxes.  That stated, there are many applications which can be successfully met using natural or bio-based waxes.

Eurica Group has focused formulation efforts to develop emulsions of bio-based waxes derived from:

• Soybeans
• Rice bran
• Sugar cane
• Sunflowers

Other naturally occurring waxes have been known to industry and utilized in an emulsified format for generations.  Carnauba wax is found in many commercial applications and is the hardest and highest melting naturally occurring wax available.

Note: Earlier development work led to the formulation of a stable emulsion of palm wax. Due to the ecological devastation associated with harvesting palm oil through deforestation, this wax poses a sustained threat to the environment.

Additives are present at lower concentrations in a formulation, yet they have a major impact on product performance. Waxes can change the surface of the coating to impart water beading, lubricity and anti-blocking properties as needed to optimize performance.

Wax additives are emulsified in order to facilitate incorporation into an aqueous based coating. The choice of wax types, surfactants, neutralizing agents and process conditions can create an unlimited array of possibilities. Eurica Group focuses on waxes that are bio-based and sustainable for your application. Depending on the wax, it can be challenging to create a stable emulsion that can be manufactured on a commercial scale.

Eurica Group has successfully formulated stable emulsions of bio-based waxes that were previously unavailable on a commercial scale. These sustainable products have successfully displaced waxes that are not biodegradable or compostable. Research continues to expand our portfolio of bio-based wax emulsions to provide an even greater range of performance attributes.