slack wax application

What is slack wax and what are its uses?

Slack wax is obtained from crude oil through the refining process. The process begins with distillation, which separates crude oil into different fractions based on boiling point. Then, the fractions are further processed to remove impurities. The refining process can include fractional distillation, vacuum distillation, catalytic cracking and hydrocracking. After purification, the final product is converted into shell wax and sold or processed to produce some products.

Slack wax specifications

According to the refinery and the type of crude oil, slack wax can have different specifications. Generally, slack wax is a mixture of oil and wax that has been partially refined and may contain small amounts of stabilizers. This semi-refined petroleum product has a low molecular weight. Its common characteristics are light yellow to dark brown, its consistency is liquid or semi-solid, and its density is between 87 and 95%. Its melting point usually varies between 75 and 115 degrees Celsius, and its viscosity can also vary from 1 to 30. This light and non-drying oil generally contains between 20 and 50% oil.

Features of Slack wax

Among the features of slack wax are thermal and electrical insulation and lubrication and waterproofing.

• Thermal insulation: this wax-like substance that contains various hydrocarbons, although the purification and processing has not been completed, but it has useful properties. It is widely used for thermal insulation due to its low thermal conductivity which prevents heat from easily penetrating the material. In fact, slack wax is a type of thermal insulation material that can help reduce heat loss in various applications. By trapping air in its structure, it helps to reduce heat loss. It has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity, meaning it does not transfer heat easily from one side to another, in fact it is known as one of the most efficient thermal insulation materials.
• Electrical insulation: Because slack wax is a mixture of very long chain hydrocarbons that are solid at room temperature and these hydrocarbons have very strong intermolecular bonds, it does not conduct electricity well. This makes slack wax an effective insulator for electrical components. For this purpose, it is used to reduce noise and vibration in electronic devices.
• Lubricant: Slack wax is a lubricant and creates a barrier between surfaces and reduces friction and wear. Its lubrication properties are also very useful for applications that require friction reduction.
• Waterproof: due to the composition of slack wax, it is very resistant to water and shows very good waterproof properties. This makes it an ideal ingredient for many waterproofing applications such as sealants, paints and coatings. Additionally, slack wax is used in cosmetic products to create a water-resistant layer that helps keep the skin hydrated and protect it from environmental damage. In addition, slack wax can be used as a waterproofing agent to prevent water from entering sensitive electronic components.

Application of slack wax

Slack wax is used in various industries. Slack wax is mainly used as a raw material for making candles, lubricants and cosmetics. It is used in the production of various rubber compounds, adhesives and sealants. It is also used to produce printing ink, colored pencils, polish and paint remover. It is used for oil refining processes such as dewaxing, hydraulic smoothing and degreasing with solvent.

The use of slack wax can be mentioned in the construction of asphalt roads and pavements. As a raw material for the production of synthetic oils and waxes, it is used in the production of various products such as solvents, polishes and paints. It can also be used for coating purposes as it helps improve the appearance of metal surfaces such as aluminum or steel. It is used as a raw material in petrochemical, food and pharmaceutical industries. It can be combined with other waxes to create special products for different industries. Finally, it is used as fuel in some rural areas and it can be used as a fuel source for power plants and combustion engines.

Final word

Slack wax is a low-value petroleum product obtained from oil residues after refining crude oil. This substance is insoluble in cold water and can be processed for specialized uses. Slack wax is composed of hydrocarbon molecules and is sold as a liquid or semi-solid. It is a petroleum-based wax product that is used during the production of lubricants. You can buy this product in light and heavy types for special applications.