LW-00-122 Synthetic and Petroleum Paraffin Waxes: Complementary Tools in the Formulator's Toolbox

Description:

Synthetic paraffin waxes produced by the Fischer-Tropsch process share many characteristics with paraffin waxes produced conventionally from petroleum. However, the increased linearity of the synthetic waxes, in combination with their more tightly controlled distribution and greater purity, can provide the formulator additional options for meeting application demands. A brief overview of the production process for the synthetic waxes is given and properties of the synthetic and petroleum waxes are compared and contrasted. In addition, potential applications for the waxes are discussed.