Fischer-Tropsch Wax

• Introduction
Fischer-Tropsch waxes are synthetic waxes produced by Fischer-Tropsch process. Fischer-
Tropsch is a method for the synthesis of hydrocarbons and other aliphatic compounds from
synthesis gas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst.
The hydrogen-carbon monoxide gas mixture is obtained by coal gasification or natural gas
reforming. The process is named after F. Fischer and H. Tropsch, the German coal
researchers who discovered it in 1923.
Synthesized hydrocarbons are fractionated to different grades of FT waxes with chain length
up to C100, qualified by their saturated-linear chains, free of aromatics, sulphurs and
nitrogens.
Modification and micronisation also render to grades diversification.
Chemical Plus sal is the sole agent and distributor for Sasol Wax in Lebanon.

• Properties of FT waxes
• High saturation and linearity.
• Thermal stability at high temperature.
• Long chain length.
• Long molecular weight.
• High melting point.
• Hardness.
• Low surface tension.
• Low viscosity at high temperature.

• Physical Forms
• Forms
Flakes, pellets, prills, pastilles, powder, liquid (emulsion), micronized powder.

• Comparaison FT wax/ PE wax

Typical Properties PE wax FT wax
Melting point °C 100 - 140 80 - 115
Viscosity at 135°C cP >200 >10
Molecular Structure Branched Linear
Molecular Weight; Daltons 2000 - 12000 600 - 1300

• Applications

• Rubber Industry
- FT wax is used as dispersion and processing aid in rubber industry.
- FT wax yields the glossy surfaces of some rubber products.
Sasolwax C 80 - Sasolwax H 105 - Sasolwax H 1

• Cosmetics
- FT wax is used as hardner regulator in cosmetic industry.
- FT wax is used as abrasion regulator in abrasive products

The information contained herein are provided with good faith and believed to be accurate at the time of publication and
presented for guidance only but Chemical Plus makes no warranty. Use or application of such information is at user's sole
discretion without any liability on the part of Chemical Plus.

Chemical Plus sal Dekwaneh, Mar Roukoz str., Tel (961) 1.691629 E-mail info@chemicalplus.com
Philippe Andraos bldg. (961) 1.680112 Website www.chemicalplus.com
P.O.BOX: 6620-291 (961) 3.897521
Hazmieh-Lebanon Fax (961) 1.689938
 Sasolwax C 80 - Sasolwax H 105 - Sasolwax SP 30 -Sasolwax SP 105 - Sasolwax H 1

• Inks
- FT wax improves mechanical properties of film (rub resistance, scrutch
and scuff, anti-blocking and water resistance)
- FT wax reduces film surface friction (slip…)
- FT wax reduces gloss of ink film and turns it into matt finish, when particle sizes
of wax are close or not greater than ink film particle sizes, gloss finish is not
affected, a limitation of addition level to 0,5-3% is also required to achieve
gloss.

Application
- Offset lithographic inks, paste inks, heat set inks, sheet fed inks and cold set
inks
- Solvent inks: Flexographic and gravure inks
- Water flexographic inks
Sasolwax SP 30 - Sasolwax Spray 105
Sasolwax Aqua 30 S – Sasolwax WE 52

• Paints & Coatings

- In metal coatings (can and coil coatings) FT wax enhances rub, scuff, mar
resistance and slip properties
- In wood coatings FT wax provides water resistance, anti-weathering properties
Recommended addition level of use: 0.5-2%
Sasolwax Aqua 30 S - Sasolwax WE 52 - Sasolwax C 105 – Sasolwax SP 30
Sasolwax Spray 105– Sasolwax Adsperse 868

• Powder Coatings
Wax properties in powder coatings during:

Production
- FT wax plays as lubricant, lowering pressure and increases the throughput
- Wetting of pigment and filler
- Due to its high cristallinity, wax is efficient to the grinding stage

Application
- Wax reduces the risk of caking and ensures a free flowing powder

Final Coating
- Increases scratch resistance
- Increases the resistance to damage by abrasion
- Anti-blocking properties
- Solvent and water resistance by reducing surface wettability
- Reduces gloss
- Modify slip properties
- Flatting agent, eliminating the orange feel effect.
Recommended addition level of use 0.5-2%
Sasolwax Spray 105 - Sasolwax A 28

The information contained herein are provided with good faith and believed to be accurate at the time of publication and
presented for guidance only but Chemical Plus makes no warranty. Use or application of such information is at user's sole
discretion without any liability on the part of Chemical Plus.

Chemical Plus sal Dekwaneh, Mar Roukoz str., Tel (961) 1.691629 E-mail info@chemicalplus.com
Philippe Andraos bldg. (961) 1.680112 Website www.chemicalplus.com
P.O.BOX: 6620-291 (961) 3.897521
Hazmieh-Lebanon Fax (961) 1.689938
 • Polyolefin, PVC and Masterbatch Processing

Polyolefin Processing
- FT wax acts as flow and processing aid improving flow and
reducing internal and external friction
- FT wax improves processability of polyolefins during injection moulding
- FT wax acts as a dispersing agent of inorganic fillers in injection moulding
- FT wax fastness cycle time by 14-28% in HDPE and PP moulding and increase
production by 10-12% by reducing mechanical stresses to the moulded products
- FT wax eliminates the use of mould release agents

PVC Processing
- FT wax acts as lubricants assisting the fusion process, reduces shear
degradation
- FT wax acts as external lubricants reducing friction between polymer and metal
and assisting mould release
- By reducing degradation of resin mechanical properties are improved (tensile,
strength, impart strength, elongation)
- FT wax reduces melt fracture and surface defects improving the appearance of
the final product (Gloss, colour, clarity…)

Masterbatches
- FT wax coats the pigments in coloured concentrates/masterbatches in order to
prevent reagglomeration of particles
- FT wax improves colours, reduces viscosity, decreases dust nuisance in
coloured masterbatches
Sasolwax Enhance - Sasolwax H 1 - Sasolwax B 52 - Sasolwax B 39
Sasolwax A 28
Sasolwax C 105 – Sasolwax Spray 405 – Sasolwax Adsperse 868
Sasolwax Adsperse 500 – Sasolwax Adsperse 100

• Hot Melt Adhesives

- FT wax reduces viscosity and improves heat stability during the manufacturing
Process of hot melt adhesives
- FT wax increases blocking temperature, wetting and cohesive strength

The advantages of FT wax in adhesive performance:

- Improves heat resistance
- Reduces set time
- Improves wetting
- Increases cohesive strength
- Reduces flexibility
- Decreases adhesion
Sasolwax C 80 – Sasolwax H 105 – Sasolwax H 1

• Textiles
Oxidized hard FT wax lubricates yarns and sewing threads, alters their frictional properties
improving the following parameters:

The information contained herein are provided with good faith and believed to be accurate at the time of publication and
presented for guidance only but Chemical Plus makes no warranty. Use or application of such information is at user's sole
discretion without any liability on the part of Chemical Plus.

Chemical Plus sal Dekwaneh, Mar Roukoz str., Tel (961) 1.691629 E-mail info@chemicalplus.com
Philippe Andraos bldg. (961) 1.680112 Website www.chemicalplus.com
P.O.BOX: 6620-291 (961) 3.897521
Hazmieh-Lebanon Fax (961) 1.689938
 -Processibility
-Waterproofing
-Sewability
-Tear strength
-Flex abrasion resistance by reducing fiber to fiber friction and fiber to metal
friction in yarn knitting.
Waxes are available in a wide range of molecular masses, melting points, viscosities and
degree of hardness, supplied in oxidized, saponified and liquid emulsion forms.
Sasolwax AP 5 - Sasolwax A 28 - Sasolwax A 15

• Polish
Wax functions in polishes
- Appearance: Gloss finish
- Processability: Easy spready – buffing, improves pliability
- Protection: Surface restoration, anti aging and damages.
- Cleaning
- Antislip
- Water resistance

Benefits of FT wax in Polishes

- FT wax provides hard wax film with high gloss and durability
- FT wax displays strong gelling characteristics
- FT wax enhances solvent binding and retentions
- FT wax improves heat stability, slip and scuff resistance

Sasolwax M3M - Sasolwax AP 5 - Sasolwax C 80 - Sasolwax A 28 - Sasolwax A 14

Detailed technical data sheet is available upon request

The information contained herein are provided with good faith and believed to be accurate at the time of publication and
presented for guidance only but Chemical Plus makes no warranty. Use or application of such information is at user's sole
discretion without any liability on the part of Chemical Plus.

Chemical Plus sal Dekwaneh, Mar Roukoz str., Tel (961) 1.691629 E-mail info@chemicalplus.com
Philippe Andraos bldg. (961) 1.680112 Website www.chemicalplus.com
P.O.BOX: 6620-291 (961) 3.897521
Hazmieh-Lebanon Fax (961) 1.689938