Waxes

Abstract A review of waxes is provided, including classification, source, composition, production, testing, and applications. Waxes are generally classified according to source, such as natural waxes derived from animals or vegetables; mineral waxes derived from petroleum, coal, and peat; and synthetic waxes derived through polymerization of feed stocks, such as ethylene, methylene, and α‐olefins. The composition varies widely among the different classifications. Most of the natural waxes are mixtures with long‐chain alcohols, long‐chain carboxylic acids, and long‐chain esters as the major constituents. Waxes derived from coal and peat are similar, while the petroleum waxes consist almost exclusively of long‐chain hydrocarbons. Petroleum‐derived waxes are produced in massive quantities throughout the world. The synthetic waxes are generally low molecular weight polymers, with ethene polymers being the largest volume product. Since all waxes are fairly complex mixtures, physical properties are often used to describe the products. Uses vary from consumer products, such as chewing gum, cosmetics, and candles, to industrial applications, such as hot‐melt adhesives for carton sealing, flow modifier for plastic resins, and process additive for suspension polymerization.