The Role of Distillation in Producing Specialty Synthetic Wax

Trecora’s Pasadena, TX plant is well known for custom manufacturing, distillation, blending, forming, and packaging of specialty synthetic waxes.  From this plant, we produce a variety of specialty waxes used in multiple applications.

Distillation is one of the key processes we rely on to create our specialty waxes.  It plays a crucial role in the production process, serving as a key function in manufacturing and refinement. But just how important is distillation? Let us look at it in more detail.

The Forerunner of Specialty Wax

It has been said that distillation is the forerunner of specialty wax itself.  The process is utilized to separate and purify the different components in the production process.  For example, high vacuum distillation separates temperature-sensitive materials, which allow us to create different grades of specialty wax.

Meanwhile, molecular distillation allows us to separate, concentrate, or fractionally select different molecules in a given product.  Molecular distillation is an advanced technology utilizing high temperature and a vacuum to achieve the desired results.

Producing Specialty Synthetic Wax

Specialty synthetic waxes are primarily derived from the polymerization of ethylene or propylene, rather than directly from crude oil.  While crude oil distillation yields natural paraffinic wax, synthetic waxes are manufactured through a more advanced chemical process.

The production begins with the cracking of hydrocarbons—breaking down long-chain molecules from crude oil or natural gas into lighter olefins like ethylene and propylene.  These monomers then undergo polymerization, where they are chemically bonded into long hydrocarbon chains under controlled heat, pressure, and catalysts.

The resulting polymer can be tailored to achieve specific properties—such as melting point, hardness, or viscosity—by adjusting the polymerization conditions.  Further refining may involve fractionation or hydrogenation to enhance purity and performance.

Though the process is highly technical, synthetic waxes offer superior consistency and customization compared to natural waxes.  This makes them ideal for demanding applications, from coatings and adhesives to cosmetics and industrial lubricants.

Specialty Waxes in Manufacturing

All of this matters because specialty synthetic waxes are critical to manufacturing.  A variety of industries rely on them for their viscosity, lubrication, and melt point properties. Below are just a few examples.

1. Plastics

Plastics manufacturers rely on specialty waxes to provide lubrication.  Waxes can also enhance the finished product by improving plasticization, surface smoothness, and durability.  PVC is an example of one type of plastic that is made better with specialty waxes.

2. Adhesives

Specialty waxes used as dispersants can improve performance among hot melt adhesives.  Manufacturers get a better adhesive with enhanced temperature, adhesion, and oil migration properties.

3. Inks and Coatings

Ink and coating manufacturers utilize specialty waxes as pigment dispersants.  By more effectively dispersing pigments and fillers, they get a more consistent product that isn’t likely to settle as much.  Certain specialty waxes can also improve product gloss.

4. Paints

When specialty waxes are added to paints, they improve a product’s performance.  Specialty waxes are known for their anti-scratch, anti-abrasion, anti-adhesion, and matting properties.

5. Consumer Wax Products

Finally, specialty synthetic waxes are a key ingredient in a variety of consumer wax products.  They are utilized in floor, car, and glazing wax to improve the softening point. Manufacturers end up with a stronger final product with a higher surface gloss.

Learn More About Our Specialty Waxes

Manufacturing specialty synthetic waxes is a big part of what we do here at Trecora.  We invite you to learn more about our specialty waxes and how they might be utilized in your manufacturing process.

Also note that Trecora provides custom turnkey manufacturing services that include process optimization and quality assurance.  As a specialty chemicals provider, we want to help you make the most of what nature’s petroleum has to offer. Contact us today to fulfill your specialty wax needs.