Wax



[: Chemically, a wax is a type of lipid that may contain a wide variety of long-chain alkanes, esters, polyesters and hydroxy esters of long-chain primary alcohols and fatty acids. They are usually distinguished from fats by the lack of triglyceride esters of glycerine (propan-1, 2, 3-triol) and three fatty acids. In addition to the esters that contribute to the high melting point and hardness of carnauba wax, the epicuticular waxes of plants are mixtures of substituted long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons, containing alkanes, fatty acids, primary and secondary alcohols, diols, ketones, aldehydes .Paraffin waxes are hydrocarbons, mixtures of alkanes usually in a ````logous series of chain lengths.] [1]



Waxes are natural substances (animal or vegetable) or synthetic materials solid at ambient temperature (20C.-25C.). They are insoluble in water, soluble in oils and are capable of forming a water repellant film. These include Carnauba wax (extract of Copemrica Cerifera), Candelilla wax (extract of Euphobies Cerifera and Pedilantus pavonis), and Alfa wax(extract of Stipa tenacissima), Montan wax, polyethylene wax, paraffin wax, oxidized paraffin wax, ozokerite, vegetable waxes such as olive tree wax, rice wax, hydrogenated jojoba wax or absolute waxes of flowers such as the essential wax of cassis flower; animal waxes such as beeswax, or modified beeswax (cerabellina).



Wax Formulation

• Water – 30-60%

• Petroleum –based solvents -15-40%

• Polishing abrasives) -10-30%

• Natural and/or synthetic waxes - 0-5%

• Silicone polymers - 0-5%

• Surfactants - 1-5%

• Additives - 0-3% (i.e. fragrance, thickeners, preservatives, etc.) Source - Modern Car Care magazine



Wax specifications such as melt point, penetration, and oil content are controlled primarily by the amount of solvent added, the rate of cooling and the temperature from the crystallization process. Additional compounds are added (resins, polymers etc) to give specific properties to the wax such as durability, flexibility and gloss.



Wax Properties



Waxes are typically quality controlled (ASTM Standards) with regard to the following physical properties: melt point, oil content, penetration, viscosity and colour.



What are the different types of Waxes?



Organic Wax

Waxes form a broad category of organic (contain carbon) materials that don`t fall into any one chemical family but are generally classed as lipids. A material is called a wax if it is (1) solid at room temperature, (2) melts at a fairly low point (called thermoplastic) and (3) does not fall into the category of polymer. The properties of waxes cover a large span of specifications but the "specs" that are important to automobile waxes are (a) hardness (b) melting point (c) water repellence and (d) resistance to breakdown by environmental factors. (For further information see article “Carnauba (Brasilia) Wax”)



There are many waxes available that fit the specs for a good automobile wax. They include organic waxes (Carnauba), animal waxes (beeswax), Mineral petroleum waxes (paraffin) Mineral fossil waxes (Môntan) and (despite the apparent contradiction) non-organic (synthetic) waxes or short chain ethylene polymers (See separate article “ Polymer – Polymerization)



The word "wax" usually refers to a variety of organic substances that are solid at ambient temperature but become somewhat free-flowing liquids at slightly higher temperatures. The chemical composition of waxes is complex, but normal alkenes are always present in high proportion, and Covalent (molecular) weight profiles tend to be very varied.



The main commercial source of wax is crude petroleum, but not all crude oil refiners produce wax. Mineral wax can also be produced from lignite, plants, animals and even insects produce materials sold in commerce as wax. There is normally no more than 15% to 20% natural wax content in retail car care wax, some products also contain a high percentage of Diatomaceous earth, this helps to provide shine by its sleight abrading ability and is evidenced by the large amount of powder residue left on the car when the wax product carrier system evaporates.



Liquid Wax



Most car care product chemists agree that when it comes to a wax formulation there is no advantage between pastes, creams or liquids. It has more to do with production cost and marketing than; ease of application or removal, its protection or surface gloss abilities. The only ingredients that will make a difference is wax quality and percentage content, and its carrier system (i.e. type of solvent / silicone and / or mineral oils used)



Paste wax



Is just a thicker form of liquid wax, a different consistency, not necessarily even more or less solvents? All natural waxes require a solvent to soften them (in their natural state they are as hard as concrete and are sold as a solid block or as flakes) Some wax products use an emulsion (oil-in water) to keep more liquid without adding more solvent, which in high concentrations could affect durability as it dilutes the wax content. (See also Wax basic components, Carnauba Wax, Best Wax or Sealant, Polymer - Wax Differences)



Carnauba (Brasilia)



Molecules are closed linked, which means that they only but up together to protect the surface, they sacrifice paint depth for increased durability. The open linked Polymer molecules form together to create a chain like effect. Polymer sealants also have greater life expediency than a Carnauba wax.



Percentage of wax content



Most carnaubas advertised with 50% or more Carnauba wax content are usually advertising a weight, not a volume. 30% by volume is about 50% by weight is about the maximum content (approx 35% Carnauba by volume makes it almost impossible to add/remove) that’s why you never can truly assess the amount of Carnauba in a manufactured wax unless the manufacturer specifically lists its content percentage by weight or volume. When making a comparison ensure you compare like with like i.e. % volume or % weight. The balance will be; solvent, polymer, silicone, Môntan or mineral oils, beeswax, synthetics or other waxes



Fracture/evaporation temperatures



Polymers 350.oF, Silicone oil 350.oF, Mineral oils 200.oF, Synthetic blends (Carnauba wax / polymers) 200.oF, Carnauba wax 180.oF, and Bee’s wax 130.oF. In actual practice the high temperatures frequently encountered by vehicles from the radiation causes wax compounds to melt, for example, a painted surfaces exposed to ambient temperatures of 85.oF in direct sunlight, will obtain a temperature of 195oF or more. It should be noted that there is a range of temperatures at which melting begins and that the `melting point` is the end point of that range.



Application



Most Carnauba waxes work well using the WOWO (wipe on wipe off) method while still slightly damp but not completely dry. Generally apply a very thin layer, preferably with a distilled water primed foam applicator (hand or machine); allowing it to haze, then wiping off.

Wax set –up time is temperature / humidity dependant; humidity affects the application because Carnauba is inherently hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) if you notice dark streaks during the application of Carnauba waxes, it tells you that the humidity is high. This will also retard the set-up time.



As a wax ‘sets-up’, it goes through a number of stages.

1. The first stage is the application of the semi-liquid product; friction will cleanse the dirt, oxidization, old waxes etc. In effect you are lifting the dirt away from the paintwork and into the liquid wax and then into the applicator.

2. The next stage is that you leave the wax to haze. This is where the solvents and oils out gas (evaporate) and leave the resin and fillers behind to dry and set-up to become a hardened protective shell on the paint.

3. Next you remove the excess. Anything that is now not bonded to the paint will be wiped away with the buffing towel and as you wipe away you will end up giving the resin a slight buff to bring out its gloss



I would suggest you do a swipe-test (swipe the surface with your finger, if the wax is still liquid wait for a while and repeat) A good technique is to buff the wax and then spritz the paintwork with cold distilled water and wipe down just to add that little extra. Humidity affects the application because Carnauba is inherently hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) if you notice dark streaks during the application of Carnauba waxes, it tells you that the humidity is high. This will also retard the set-up time.



Bonding



Carnauba wax will bond to a cross-linked polymer; conversely if a polymer is applied on top of a Carnauba wax it is unable to form a bond due to the waxes oil content. Generally you can expect 50% of your Carnauba wax layer to be gone after 30 days, 75% after 60 days and 95% gone after 90 days, although there are waxes that exceed these durability limits. You should plan on waxing your car four (4) times a year. You can extend the waxes life expectancy by parking in a garage, using a car cover and by using a quick detailer spray (QD) like Pinnacle Crystal Mist.



Storage



A refrigerator will provide a cooler temperatures and more constant humidity that will slow the evaporation of solvents from the wax, thus keeping the wax softer and easier to use over a longer period of time.



Other waxes



Include Lanolin from the wool of sheep, and Ambergris, produced in the intestines of sperm whales. Another example of animal waxes that have been traded in the past is Spermaceti, derived from the head oil of the sperm whale. Of course, the endangered status of the whale has stopped trading in this product and resulted in the development of synthetic substitutes. One of the most enduring qualities of the wax business has been the ability to improvise and develop substitutes in the face of supply disruptions.



Carnauba wax is recovered from a variety of palm tree which grows almost exclusively in north-eastern Brazil. Carnauba wax forms on the fronds of the trees and is recovered by cutting and drying the fronds, then mechanically removing the wax. Impurities are removed from the wax by melting and filtering or centrifuging.



Carnauba wax is distinguished by its hardness and high melt point, combined with an ability to disperse pigments such as carbon black, properties which make carnauba useful in printing inks. It is also used to gel organic solvents and oils as a component of solvent and paste formulations. Carnauba polishes to a high gloss, and is used to polish items such as leather products, candies, metal surfaces, etc.



Organic waxes



Beeswax has been traded for over 2000 years; references to "wax" before the 19th century typically meant beeswax. Yellow beeswax is secreted by bees to build honeycombs; the empty comb is melted in boiling water to recover the wax. Yellow beeswax can be bleached with oxidizing agents to white beeswax, a product favoured in the cosmetic industry.



The composition of beeswax varies widely with geography and the diet of the bees forming the combs, but typical components are C25-C31 hydrocarbons, esters of C30 -C32 alcohols with C16 acids and free C25 - C31 carboxylic acids. Beeswax polish is made by putting equal amounts of beeswax and turpentine in a container, with a lid to stop evaporation, and leaving it in a warm area where the wax will dissolve into the turpentine



Candelilla wax is harvested from shrubs grown in the Mexican states of Coahuila and Chihuahua and in Texas. The entire mature plant is uprooted and immersed in boiling water acidified with sulphuric acid; the wax floats to the surface for recovery. Principal markets for Candelilla wax include cosmetics, food and pharmaceuticals. Other vegetable-based waxes include Japan wax, produced on the berries of a small tree native to Japan and China



Ouricury wax, obtained from the fronds of another palm tree growing in Brazil; Rice-bran wax, extracted from crude rice bran; and Jojoba, obtained from the seeds of the jojoba plant grown in parts of Costa Rica, Israel, Mexico and the United States.



Môntan wax is a microcrystalline or petroleum wax, it’s derived by solvent extraction of lignite. The earliest production of Môn tan wax on a commercial scale was in Germany during the latter half of the nineteenth century, and Germany continues to lead the world in production of Môn tan wax; some Môn tan wax is produced in the United States from the Ione lignite bed in California. The composition of Môn tan wax varies geographically with production, but includes varying amounts of wax, resin and asphalt.



The largest traditional use for Môn tan wax is in the formulation of carbon paper inks. The decrease in use of carbon paper resulted in Môn tan wax being further refined for use in the formulation of polishes and as plastics lubricants. Môn tan wax is hard and brittle and has a high melt point; its properties are similar to those of natural plant waxes such as carnauba, which it can replace.

Other mineral waxes include peat waxes, Ozokerite and Ceresin waxes. Peat waxes are similar to Môn tan waxes in that they contain wax, resin and asphalt, but Môn tan waxes contain 50% more wax in proportion to peat waxes. Ozokerite wax was a product of Poland, Austria and the former USSR where it was mined.



True Ozokerite is no longer produced but has been replaced with blends of petroleum-derived paraffin and micro-crystalline waxes designed to meet specific applications once filled by Ozokerite.



Most of the waxes described so far can be characterized by a higher degree of difficulty required to recover and purify them in significant quantity. Waxes derived from petroleum are much easier to recover, and offer a wide range of physical properties that can often be tailored by refining processes. Most producers offer two distinct types of petroleum waxes: paraffin’s, distinguished by large, well formed crystals and micro-crystalline, higher melting waxes with small, irregular crystals. Some producers also sell "intermediate" wax, the boiling range cut where the transition in crystal size and structure occurs.



Synthetic waxes



Petroleum wax

Producers also characterise wax by degree of refinement: fully refined paraffin has oil content generally less than .5%, and fully-refined micro-crystalline less than 1.5%; "slack wax" - precursors to the fully refined versions in either case would have oil content above 2 and as high as 35% by weight.



Paraffin wax

Produced from petroleum is essentially a pure mixture of normal and iso-alkanes without the esters, acids, etc. found in the animal and vegetable-based waxes.



Microcrystalline

Waxes are a type of wax produced by de-oiling petrolatum, as part of the petroleum refining process. In contrast to the more familiar paraffin wax which contains mostly un-branched alkanes, microcrystalline wax contains a higher percentage of isoparaffinic (branched) hydrocarbons and naphthenic hydrocarbons. Microcrystalline wax is often used in industries such as the tire and rubber, candles, adhesives, corrugated board, cosmetics, castings, and a host of others.



Kerosene (kerosene)

Is a flammable hydrocarbon liquid, the name is derived from Greek "keros" (κηρός wax). It is commonly called paraffin oil or paraffin. It is used as a solvent and is an excellent lubricant.



Synthetic waxes entered the wax market in the last 50 years or so, they are usually formulated from Polydimethylsiloxane (PDS) or dimethicone) silicon, which is a basically inert, water based, amino functional polymer resin, Carnauba wax and also contain substantial proportions of branched and cyclic saturated hydrocarbons in addition to normal alkenes. These synthetic waxes are more durable than organic Carnauba. All synthetic waxes have the same basic structure, but the various production processes yield products with distinctly different properties, and these have a major impact on the use of products



Products from one manufacturer may satisfy one particular application, while product from a similar process will not work well at all. Major uses include hot-melt adhesives for applications requiring high-temperature performance, additives to improve the processing of plastics, and slip and rub additives for inks, paints and cosmetics. The word wax usually refers to a variety of organic substances that are solid at ambient temperature but become free-flowing liquids at slightly higher temperatures.



The chemical composition of waxes is complex, but normal alkenes are always present in high proportion, and molecular weight profiles tend to be wide. The main commercial source of wax is crude petroleum, but not all crude oil refiners

produce wax.



Waxes will last indefinitely, provided that they are stored in the refrigerator once opened. The liquid products should last 18 months if stored at normal room temperature.



Note- many waxes and polymer sealants actually look better after 24 hours and /or an initial post-application wash

Unless you are using a cleaner-wax there is no need to use pressure on the applicator, just enough to make contact with the surface should suffice. Order of product application- hood- roof-trunk from front to back and, where practical, the quarter panels- door panels- and bumpers from top to bottom. Washing, claying and waxing that way effects the way light reflects off the body panels and is also less likely to show the surface marring or swirls that you will invariably make.



Wax (basic components)



Although somewhat more complex than other products, waxes and sealants only involve very basic chemistry, when a chemist formulates a wax or sealant, several factors are taken into account; ease of application and removal, cleaning and / or filling ability (if required), depth of gloss, shine, durability and resistance to rain / detergents / car wash concentrate.



Unfortunately, no one wax or sealant product can meet all of the above characteristics. If one characteristic is emphasized and / or enhanced, it will be to the detriment of another. For example, increased durability means that application and removal can be more difficult. Or, if cleaning capability is emphasized, the depth of shine will decrease.



The best wax or sealant to use is one that provides as many of the characteristics as possible to achieve a shiny, durable finish. Because the ingredients for each of these features work against each other innovative chemistry and a creative chemist are needed



The basic components used in waxes and sealants are;



1. Solvents or mineral oils- used for chemical cleaning, and as a carrier system, it also makes products workable and to provide spread ability, as is the case with Carnauba wax, which in its natural state is rock hard.

2. Emulsifiers - to stabilize the product and make it easier to use

3. Oil – to provide surface lubrication (often an emulsion of water and silicone oil)

4. Very light abrasives - Diatomaceous earth to provide mild cleaning and to aid the wax in drying consistently for easy wipe-off

5. Surfactant- defined as a material that can greatly reduce the surface tension of liquids and to provide a soft and smooth consistency

6. Silicone- is primarily used to modify or improve certain characteristics; i.e. shine, or added as a lubricant to enhance application.

7. Colouring- purely aesthetic / marketing

8. Fragrance- appealing fragrances help to sell the product

9. Polymers - most waxes are formulated with, amongst other things; polymer resins that once cured provide transparency and improve longevity

10. Natural clay – used as a filler



The unique structure makes these products very effective when used in additive amounts to modify the properties of paraffin wax, primarily for use in candles. The products can increase the hardness and opacity of the paraffin with minimal impact on cloud point or viscosity.



Ultra Violet Protection



Carnauba waxes, contrary to popular belief and / or marketing do not contain natural UV protection; the oils (usually silicone in most products) make it very difficult to add the UV inhibitors.



Other uses include



Mould release for polyurethane foams, additives for casting wax, and additive for leather treating. A description has been provided of a very interesting market, one over 2000 years old where vegetable, mineral and synthetic materials come together to serve a wide variety of needs. Wax is truly a versatile product whose unique properties pave the way for a myriad of end users. The most interesting part of this is the ability of wax to re-invent itself over time.



If you could look back over the last forty years you would recognize wax products in every home as part of bread wrap, waxed paper food wraps, cold drink cups and the Pure Pak milk container. Walk into your kitchen today, and you will still find wax used in most of these applications, in addition likely a significant amount of wax is used in the building materials to construct the room.



New uses for wax have been found time and again, and the wax market today is as vital as ever. This has been going on since Romans walked the Via Appia, which, of course, was named after the honeybee



Paints from different (DuPont, PPG, BASF, etc) manufacturers do not favour one wax over another; there is no factual basis for custom coloured waxes with pigment dyes to mach original paint, the clear coat is applied for both protection of the colour coat and to give it depth, while allowing the paint colour to show through, some marques clear coat paints vary i.e. some are softer/ thinner etc. If you apply a non-clear wax or sealant, or a custom coloured wax mayl only mute the paints colour and depth of shine (See also panel tests on colour changing wax by DoDo)