Microcrystalline wax

Microcrystalline wax

Cera Microcristallina; Microcrystalline hydrocarbon wax

CAS 63231-60-7

Chemical Formula Not defined (It is a mixture)

Molecular Weight 800 g/mol (weight may vary)

Microcrystalline wax is a type of petroleum-derived wax characterized by its fine, tightly packed crystal structure, giving it a flexible and adhesive nature. It's produced during the petroleum refining process by de-oiling lubricant oils and heavy distillates. This wax is known for its viscosity-increasing properties and is used in various applications, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products. 

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Industrial Uses

1. Personal Care

  • Versatile agent: Microcrystalline wax is a versatile ingredient in personal care products, primarily used for its texture-enhancing, moisturizing, and protective properties. It acts as a binding agent, emollient, and viscosity builder in various formulations like creams, lotions, lip balms, and hair styling products.

2. Pharmaceuticals

  • Ointments and Creams: Microcrystalline wax is a key ingredient in ointments and creams due to its ability to form a protective barrier on the skin and its emollient properties. It helps to bind the ingredients, improve texture, and prevent oil separation.
  • Stiffening Agent: It's used to modify the crystal structure of other waxes (like paraffin) in topical formulations, enhancing their stability and preventing structural changes over time.
  • Controlled-Release Formulations: Microcrystalline wax is used in oral formulations to control the release of active ingredients, ensuring a sustained release over time.
  • Tablet/Capsule Coatings: It acts as a coating agent for tablets and capsules, protecting them from moisture and the environment, and also influencing the rate at which the medication is released, according to CD Formulation.

3. Food & Healthcare Ingredients

  • Fruit and Vegetable Coatings: Microcrystalline wax is applied to the surface of fresh produce like apples, pears, and citrus fruits to enhance their shine, prevent moisture loss, and inhibit microbial growth, thus prolonging their freshness. 
  • Cheese Coatings: It's used to coat hard and semi-soft cheeses to prevent drying, mold growth, and contamination during aging and storage. 
  • Confectionery: Microcrystalline wax acts as a binder and glazing agent in candies, chewing gum, and other confectionery items. It can help create a glossy appearance, improve texture, and prevent sticking. 
  • Baked Goods and Snacks: It's used as a release agent on baking pans and trays, preventing baked goods from sticking and helping them maintain their shape. It can also be used as a coating on snacks like pretzels or crackers to enhance their appearance and extend their shelf life.

4. Polymers & Resins

  • Flexibility and Adhesion: Microcrystalline wax's branched-chain structure provides flexibility and adhesive qualities, making it useful in applications like adhesives, coatings, and even in rubber formulations to improve mold release.
  • Moisture Resistance: Microcrystalline wax is known for its moisture resistance, making it useful in packaging and other applications where moisture protection is needed.

5. Fabric Solutions

  • Lubrication: Microcrystalline wax acts as a lubricant, reducing friction between fibers during textile processing, which can improve the ease of weaving, knitting, and other processes. 
  • Tensile Strength: By coating fibers, the wax can enhance the fabric's tensile strength, making it more resistant to breaking or tearing.

Specifications

Assay 95% (Grades may vary)
Appearance White to yellow, odorless, soft to hard solid blocks or slabs
Odor Odorless or faint hydrocarbon-like
Boiling Point Not applicable
Melting Point 60°C
Density 0.89 g/cm3
Solubility Insoluble in water; soluble in benzene, chloroform, and hot oils
Viscosity 30 mPa·s at 100°C
Flash Point 200°C

Hazard Symbols

Flammables
Irritants/Sensitisers/Other Hazards

FAQs

1. What is the current price of Microcrystalline wax in India?
The price of Microcrystalline wax can vary based on factors such as purity, quantity, etc. For the most accurate and competitive pricing, please contact us at +91.6301 00 6301 directly for a customized quote tailored to your needs.

2. Where can I buy Microcrystalline wax in India?
You can purchase Microcrystalline wax from MULTICHEM, a leading exporter with a reputation for quality and reliability. We provide convenient options for bulk orders and direct shipments across global markets. For more details on how to place an order, please visit our website or contact our sales team.

3. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Microcrystalline wax? 
Our minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Microcrystalline wax is designed to cater to both small-scale and large-scale needs. The MOQ depends on the packing size of the product which could range from 25 kg to 250kg.

4. How can I ensure the quality of Microcrystalline wax supplied by Multichem?
We adhere to stringent quality control processes to ensure that our products meet the highest standards of purity and effectiveness. They undergo rigorous testing and quality checks to guarantee that they comply with industry specifications. We provide a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) with every shipment to ensure transparency and quality assurance.