Slack wax

Slack wax

Slack wax is a semi-refined petroleum product. In the process of oil refining, many petrochemicals are produced, 2% of crude oil is converted into lubricating oils, and one of the side products of these oils is slack wax. This oil is produced by partial refining of heavy oil. After performing various processes of refining, de-oiling, de-coloring and whitening, it is processed to different degrees. The content of slack wax can vary depending on the refinery and the process used. Although in the past, this material was referred to as waste, but nowadays it has received attention in various industries.

Slack wax specifications

Slack wax is a clear crystalline substance in its solid state and yellow and transparent in its liquid state. This product has a flash point above 220°C and an initial boiling point of 280°C. Although it is not flammable, it burns due to the presence of petroleum. It is semi-solid at room temperature and for storage, it is better to keep it away from oxidizing agents at 80 degrees Celsius. Generally, it contains 25 to 35% oil and 65 to 75% wax. The viscosity of slack wax is 6.41 at 100°C. The melting of slack wax is without decomposition, which is very important in various industries. Be careful if this substance is swallowed carelessly or comes in contact with the skin, a person may get a little poisoned.

Features of Slack wax

• Low density: The most important feature of this product is its low density. In the sense that it is known as a light material that can play an important role in various industries.
• Waterproof: Among the important features of this material, it can be mentioned that it is waterproof. If you apply slack wax on any surface, the desired surface is protected from getting wet.
• Thermal insulation: Another feature of slack wax is thermal insulation. In many industries, you can coat it with slack wax to prevent heat transfer to the desired surface.
• Electrical insulation: The ingredients of this material help to act as electrical insulation. You can cover many surfaces of electrical circuits with this material to prevent any danger.
• Psychoanalysis: the use of this material in lubricants is of great importance. When one surface rubs against another, heat is produced and the movement of devices becomes slow and weak. But with the psychoanalysis of the devices by slack wax, this problem will be solved easily.

Types of Slack wax

Slack wax is naturally produced in brown color and is divided into light and heavy degrees according to melting point and viscosity. Light grade slack wax contains 10% oil, has a mild odor and melts easily. This substance is yellow or light brown in color, and its melting point varies from 47 to 53 degrees Celsius, but heavy slack wax has higher freezing and melting points. In heavy grade, the melting point can vary from 62 to 66 degrees Celsius. As mentioned, this material contains oil, and its heavy grade type can contain up to 35% oil. The carbon chain in the light grade is 50 to 52 and in the heavy grade 53 to 55. Heavy slack wax is darker than light slack wax.

One of the most important differences between light and heavy grade is that heavy grade is widely used for non-sanitary purposes and light slack wax can be used in the food and cosmetic industry. Due to its higher oil weight percentage, heavy slack wax is used in many cases, including the manufacture and production of candles, tires, artificial wood, matches, as a rust protector and in industrial lubricants.

Application of Slack wax

This material plays an important role as a primary ingredient in many products.

• In the textile industry, it is used as a thermal insulator for fabrics. In the sense that it can play an important role in fabrics to prevent cold and heat.
• In the food industry, slack wax can be used to seal food cans and jars. When food is placed inside a can or jar, the seams are covered with slack wax. Slack wax can also be used to produce candy and gum.
• In the printing industry, the combination of ink and slack wax can give you waterproof images.
• In artificial forests, this product is used as a waterproof material.
• One of the different uses of slack wax is to use it in art works. You can create beautiful sculptures from this product by using some tools.
• But the main use of this substance is to use it as a raw material to produce paraffin wax. To produce paraffin wax, slack wax is used as a raw material, which after refining and bleaching processes turns into different degrees of paraffin.

The effect of using slack wax in various applications including the production of cosmetics, soap, candles, colored pencils, lubricants, grease, rubber, composite wood panels, production of wax emulsions, chemicals and fertilizers, textile industry, insulation, polishing, polishes and glue are clearly visible. This material can be applied on different surfaces.

Final word

Slack wax is a mixture of paraffin wax and oil, which is derived from crude oil. The production of this material is carried out with high accuracy. In a chamber, it is heated, when the heat is slowly applied to it, the lower melting point oil parts are removed from the material. In order, the contents with higher melting point remain in the material. By using a solvent, the aromatic compounds are separated from lube cut and a new product called raffinate is formed. Paraffinic compounds are also separated from raffinate and slack wax remains. Slack wax is sold in plastic and steel barrels. You can buy heavy and light grade slack wax in different volumes to suit your project.