From carboxyl polarity to amine neutralization/saponification into emulsion — a detailed look at the stabilization mechanism of oxidized FT wax in water-based systems; grades, acid value and saponification value from real Heyee Chem products.
Ordinary FT wax is a non-polar linear alkane, insoluble in water. Oxidized FT wax (Oxidized F-T Wax) introduces carboxyl (—COOH) polar groups onto the molecular chain, giving it a measurable acid value. When neutralized with amines into ammonium salts, or saponified with alkali into salts, the polar ends face outward and the wax chains inward, forming stable micelles in water — producing a water-based wax emulsion. This is the root reason it works in water-based coatings, leather finishing and printing ink.
| Grade | Drop point | Acid value (mgKOH/g) | Form | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HY-9128 | 102°C | 27–30 | off-white coarse powder | emulsion, leather, coatings |
| HY-100-28 | 100–105°C | 27–30 | off-white bead | emulsion, PVC |
| HY-104-28 | 95–102°C | 27–30 | off-white bead | emulsion, PVC |
| HY-105-32 | ≥105°C | 30–35 | off-white bead | premium water-based |
| HY-B39 | >110°C | 12–18 | coarse powder | PVC lubricant |
| HY-B52 | – | – | – | PVC processing & lube |
| Saponified wax | congeal >90°C / mp 107°C | 9–13 | – | SV 27–37, hydrophilic |
| HY-859 | mp 108–115°C | 3–8 | – | SV 14–28, micronized ink/coating/emulsion |
easy emulsification / general emulsion → HY-9128, HY-104-28, HY-100-28 (acid value 27–30)
premium water-based / high stability → HY-105-32 (acid value 30–35)
strong hydrophilic / saponified → saponified wax (SV 27–37), HY-859
more lubrication / low polarity → HY-B39 (AV 12–18), HY-B52
Ordinary FT wax is a non-polar alkane, hardly water-soluble; oxidized FT wax introduces carboxyl (—COOH) polar groups onto the chain, giving a measurable acid value (e.g., Heyee HY-9128, 27–30 mgKOH/g). After amine neutralization or alkali saponification, the polar ends face outward and the non-polar wax chains inward to form micelles, dispersing stably in water as a water-based wax emulsion.
Higher acid value means more neutralizable/saponifiable polar groups — easier emulsification and better emulsion stability, but too high may affect coating water resistance. Heyee oxidized FT wax covers acid value 12–35 mgKOH/g: HY-B39 (12–18) leans lubricating; HY-9128/HY-104-28 (27–30) emulsify easily; HY-105-32 (30–35) suits premium water-based. Saponified wax additionally has saponification value 27–37, more hydrophilic.
Mainly improves film surface properties: scratch/abrasion resistance, slip feel, controllable matting, anti-blocking, and aids pigment dispersion. With fine particle size and good compatibility, oxidized FT wax is commonly used in water-based wood lacquer, industrial paint, leather finishing and printing ink.
Oxidized FT wax: HY-9128 (mp 102°C, AV 27–30, coarse powder), HY-100-28 (100–105°C, AV 27–30, bead), HY-104-28 (95–102°C, AV 27–30, bead), HY-105-32 (≥105°C, AV 30–35, premium), HY-B39 (>110°C, AV 12–18, lubricating), HY-B52 (PVC processing & lube). Saponified wax: congeal >90°C / mp 107°C / AV 9–13 / SV 27–37; HY-859 (mp 108–115°C, AV 3–8, SV 14–28, for micronized ink/coating/emulsion).
Oxidized FT wax has narrower MWD, whiter color and finer feel, suited to premium water-based coatings and leather; oxidized PE wax (e.g., Heyee HY-OPE series) has higher polarity and better water/chemical resistance, suited to industrial paints demanding resistance. The two can be blended to balance feel and resistance.
