Wax Emulsions Formulation Guidance

Order of Addition

The order of addition of various materials in a water-based system is very important. Agglomeration can be prevented and overall stability maximized by testing several different addition schemes. It is generally preferable to add wax emulsion in the let down stage, before the addition of thickener and in-can preservative.

Cosolvents

Wax emulsions have limited stability to organic solvents/cosolvents and electrolytes. If the formulation contains large amounts of these materials, it is preferable to add the emulsion as the last ingredient, diluting with make-up water.

pH

The pH of the wax emulsion should be within approximately one unit of the system to which it is added. Non-ionic wax emulsions often show better stability than anionic or cationic systems. Please consult the specific Technical Data Sheet for the usable pH range of the material chosen. If necessary and possible, slowly adjust the pH of the wax emulsion to that of the system by using aqueous ammonia or acetic acid.

Food Contact Compliance (Including FDA)

Please consult the appropriate Food Contact Data Sheet for the FDA or other regional food contact acceptability of a particular wax emulsion, if FDA/food contact acceptability will be needed in your final formulation. Work only with those emulsions specifically stating that food contact compliance is available. Contact your Michelman representative for specific sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) or regional guidelines under which a particular wax emulsion may be used.

Dilution

If “seeding” of the wax emulsion or latex occurs, it’s generally useful to dilute the emulsion with demineralized, deionized, or softened water to one-half of its original total solids content before addition to the latex.

Freeze-Thaw Stability

Nearly all of our products are affected by freezing temperatures. Care should be taken to protect the product from temperatures below 32˚ F (0˚ C).


Published on: June 3, 2024