Paraffin/Wax Mod

Wax is an excellent barrier coating but it is brittle and, if the coating is cracked, it looses its barrier characteristics. Kraton® polymers can be blended into wax to improve the toughness and flexibility of the wax, especially at low temperatures.

Features and Benefits

Kraton polymers can impart toughness and flexibility to blends with wax to help maintain the integrity of a wax coating when flexed or upon impact. Kraton G polymers generally have better compatibility than Kraton D polymers with wax. Compatibility is better with microcrystalline wax than with paraffin wax. Some characteristics of Kraton polymers which make them attractive modifiers for wax are:

• Good elastomeric properties
• Good compatibility with wax, especially microcrystalline wax
• Relatively low melt viscosity
• Most have FDA coverage

Resins are frequently added to the formulation to improve compatibility and to improve adhesion. Various other additives, such as antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, etc. may also be used. Although Kraton polymers can be mixed directly into the wax blend, they are frequently added as a masterbatch for easier mixing, especially with low shear mixers.

Products

Paper Coatings: Wax coatings containing low levels of Kraton G polymer can be coated onto paper substrates for uses ranging from waxed paper for food wrap to coatings on cardboard boxes. These coatings, when modifed with Kraton polymers, maintain their barrier properties when flexed or when impacted, even at low temperatures

Metal Coatings: Wax coatings containing corrosion inhibitors have long been used to prevent corrosion of metal substrates. Addition of low levels of Kraton G polymer to these coatings improves impact strength to help prevent damage from stone chips and other types of impact.