• Plastic ( soft or malleable) at normal ambient temperatures
• A melting point above approximately 45 °C.
• A  relatively low viscosity when melted (unlike many plastics)
• Insoluble in water
• Hydrophobic

We shall be discussing here on the waxes which are only being used in the rubber and plastic industry. Beeswax, perhaps , is the first wax which used by human in the beginning of our civilization, was one of the important renewable source of fuel. The honey comb formed by bees has typical hexagonal geometric pattern (Fig.1). Bees wax is used in tire building drum, if the rubber is too sticky, it can also be used in two roll mill to take care of rubber sticking to the rolls. It is frequently being used in the BC, MC, PC, TB  inner-tube making industry during pre-forming operation in the green stage when inner-tubes are expanded under mild air pressure just before curing in mold.

The main commercial source of wax is, however, crude oil but not all crude oil refiners produce wax. "Mineral" wax can also be produced from lignite. Plants, animals and even insects produce materials sold in commerce as "wax". There are five categories of waxes being used in rubber industries :

• Bees Wax
• Paraffin Wax - made of long-chain alkane hydrocarbons
• Microcrystalline Wax - with very fine crystalline structure
• Chlorinated Paraffin Wax
• Polyethylene Wax
• Chlorinated Polyethylene Wax

The major uses of petroleum based waxes are in rubber, cosmetics and in Candle industry. They are generally white in color but show usual brown color (Fig.2) due to contaminated with oil traces. Two types of waxes, in general, are used in rubber industry, Paraffinic wax and Microcrystalline wax. Its normal dose is 1-3 phr and high level of wax impairs low temperature flexibility and compression set. Rubber compounder considers wax as a very important processing aid because it has following advantages:

• Improves mixing properties

  

   

• Improves dispersion of filler and other ingredients
• Improves extrusion properties
• Improves upon extrudate and calendared surface finish
• Protects surface and acts as antioxidant /antiozonate

Paraffin and Microcrystalline waxes are derived from petroleum. They are easy to recover and offer a wide range of physical properties that can often be tailored by refining processes. Most producers offer two distinct types of petroleum waxes: paraffins, which are distinguished by large, well formed crystals; and microcrystallines, which are higher melting waxes with small, irregular crystals. Microcrystalline wax contains substantial proportions of branched and cyclic saturated hydrocarbons in addition to normal alkanes.

Some producers also sell "intermediate" wax, in which the boiling range is cut where the transition in crystal size and structure occur. Petroleum wax producers also characterize wax by degree of refinement; fully refined paraffin has oil content generally less than 0.5% and fully-refined micro-crystalline less than 3%. Paraffin wax produced from petroleum is essentially a pure mixture of normal and iso-alkanes without the esters, acids, etc. found in the animal and vegetable-based waxes.

Paraffin wax (or simply "paraffin") is mostly found as a white, odorless, tasteless, waxy solid, with a typical melting point between about 47-64 °C  and having a density of around 0.9 g/cm³. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in ether, benzene, and certain esters. Paraffin is unaffected by most common chemical reagents, but burns readily. Paraffin wax is generally unbranched hydrocarbon having carbon above C₁₇ and  are solid at room temperature. Their carbon atoms typically ranges between C₁₇ - C₃₀ and having typical melting point around 60°C. All paraffinic wax are recovered from fractional distillation of petroleum.The name paraffin implies that it contains straight hydrocarbon structure but it has branch also. Branched paraffins are called ‘Isoparafins’ and cyclic parafins are called ‘Cresines’ or ‘Isoceresies’.

Pure paraffin wax dose in rubber compounding varies from 1-3 phr. Pure paraffin wax is rarely used these days in rubber industry as it has oozing character and in excess it causes blooming on green rubber components, that results in reduction in compound tack. They are frequently blended with microcrystalline wax in rubber compounding therefore.

Pure paraffin wax is an excellent electrical insulator, with an electrical resistivity of between 10¹³ and 10¹⁷ ohm meter. This is better than nearly all other materials except some plastics (notably teflon or polytetrafluoroethylene). It is an effective neutron moderator and was used in James Chadwick's 1932 experiments to identify the neutron. Paraffin wax (C₂₅H₅₂) is an excellent material to store heat, having a specific heat capacity of 2.14–2.9 J g^–1 K^–1 (joule per gram per kelvin) and a heat of fusion of 200–220 J g^–1(joule per gram). This property is exploited in modified drywall for home building material.

Microcrystalline waxes: This is produced by de-oiling petrolatum, as part of the petroleum refining process. Microcrystalline wax contains a higher percentage of isoparaffinic (branched) hydrocarbons and naphthenic hydrocarbons. It is characterized by the fineness of its crystals in contrast to the larger crystal of paraffin wax. It consists of high molecular weight saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons with comparatively higher melting point than paraffinic wax. It is generally darker, more viscous, denser, tackier and more elastic than paraffin waxes. The elastic and adhesive characteristics of microcrystalline waxes are related to the non-straight chain components which they contain. Typical microcrystalline wax crystal structure is small and thin, making them more flexible than paraffin wax. It is commonly used in rubber formulation and cosmetic formulations.

Its usual carbon atom ranges from C₄₀–C₇₀ , having comparatively higher melting point (Fig.4) between 80-105 ⁰C because they have higher number of carbon. Common dose in rubber compounding is between 1-3 phr. Some time higher dose of  100% Micro crystalline wax is difficult to process and as a result they are often blended with paraffinic wax for rubber use. Blending is also done for economical reasons as microcrystalline wax is comparatively costlier. Paraffinic wax, having smaller molecular weight bleeds faster in cured rubber article, whereas, 100% micro crystalline wax  will have inherent resistance to faster volatilization and eventually, blended wax will have an intermediate property. Refineries may also utilize blending facilities to combine paraffin and microcrystalline waxes. This type of activity is prevalent especially for industries such as tire and rubber industries.

Higher dose of antioxidant and anti ozonates are always advised to add along with microcrystalline wax because the later help slower migration of antioxidant and antiozonates on the product surface and thereby increase on the product durability against ageing process. Tire curing bladder is often blended with 1-3 phr of microcrystalline wax.

Chlorinated Paraffin Wax

Upon chlorination of paraffinic wax we get Chlorinated Paraffin Wax(CPW). This is available in batch process that is processed from effective exothermic reaction. This reaction generates a by-product hydrochloric acid that is later removed out of the solution. Finally stabilizer and solution is mixed that provide the required final product, which is used in various industrial applications. With 30 to 70% chlorine and insolubility in water, these CPWs have low vapor pressure. Chlorinated Paraffin Wax is highly inert, insoluble in water and they have low vapor pressure. Generally used as plasticizers in plastic and elastomers, where flame retardant property is important.

Polyethylene waxes (PE-Wax)

Polyethylene waxes or PE-Wax is same familiar polyethylene chemical structure (Fig.5) but with lower molecular weight , generally around or less than 3000.This is a processing aid in elastomer and plastics but basically they are a form of synthetic resins. It is a white solid product (Fig.6) appears in the market as powdery, lumpy, or flaky product. It is a non-toxic product having concentrated distribution of molecular weight of 1500 with specific gravity about 0.94 with high softening point but low fusion viscosity with melting point; 112 - 118°C, melt peak 110 °C, flash point 210°C, minimum. It has excellent stability against polishing, scratch resistance, metal mark resistance, scuff resistance. PE-Wax is resistant to water and chemical materials.

The Synthetic Turf Council (STC) has expressed strong opposition to the proposed motion to ban synthetic turf in Santa Clara County. Melanie Taylor, President and CEO of the organisation, submitted a testimony in this regard to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, highlighting the significant environmental and community benefits of synthetic turf while addressing concerns related to safety and accessibility.

There was strong resistance to the proposed turf ban from parents, football players and business owners when the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors last discussed the proposal in August. In fact, several of these people spoke out against the proposed turf ban at a Board meeting on August 13. Seventy-five percent of public remarks were about synthetic turf, despite the fact that it was not on the official agenda that day. Notably, pro-turf speakers exceeded anti-turf ones by a 2:1 ratio.

Over the last few months, STC has taken a number of initiatives to express its strong objection to the prohibition. Before the Board tabled the proposal to limit turf usage throughout the county for reconsideration in January, Taylor sent written evidence to the Board in August. In an article arguing against the proposed ban before to that August hearing, STC emphasised the industry's dedication to coming up with creative ways to preserve fields nearing the end of their useful lives and guaranteeing the safety of its goods by removing purposefully added PFAS from synthetic grass.

Taylor said, "Recreational fields are more than just playing surfaces, they are essential community infrastructure. Families, schools and businesses choose synthetic turf because it provides year-round access to affordable, durable and eco-friendly fields, especially in drought-prone states like California. A ban on turf in Santa Clara County will only hurt communities by depriving them of these long-term benefits and cost savings that turf uniquely provides."

The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has released its Monthly NR Statistical Report for December 2024.

According to the report, robust market fundamentals and increased trading activity brought on by year-end orders before the Lunar New Year holidays in January helped to somewhat raise the average monthly prices for natural rubber (NR) in December. But because of poor economic conditions, this increasing trend – which was first fuelled by China's stimulus measures, which were implemented in late September – lost steam. Furthermore, ongoing threats from US tariffs impacted market stability and caused anxiety.

With more import orders and more rubber coming from Thailand as a result of less rainfall, China's natural rubber stockpile began to grow by the middle of December. Although there were some encouraging advances overall, the report also notes that the market continues to face the previously highlighted difficulties that might affect future price stability.

With the revision on Indonesian and Cambodian output, the prognosis for worldwide NR production in 2024 is up 2.8 percent from the previous year, according to the performance and updates from ANRPC member countries (AMC). With the change from Indonesia and Malaysia, the global demand growth projection for 2024 is up 1.8 percent.

Evonik Industries AG launched Smart Effects, a new 3,500-employee entity combining its silica and silane operations, as the German speciality chemicals maker pushes further into sustainable technologies.

According to a company statement, the unit began operations on 1January, will be part of the company’s Advanced Technologies division and target the automotive, electronics, consumer health, and building materials markets.

“This merger not only enhances our customer relationships but also allows us to advance sustainability in key markets,” said Emmanuel Auer, who heads the Smart Effects business line.

The combined unit will supply materials for electric vehicle batteries and semiconductors while developing new technologies, such as adsorbents for direct air capture of carbon dioxide. Its silica-silane combinations are already used in fuel-efficient “green” tyres.

“The new business line is a strategic step by Evonik to strengthen the financing power of our complementary Silanes, precipitated and fumed Silica technology platforms,” stated Lauren Kjeldsen, President of Smart Materials Division at Evonik. “By combining our expertise in molecular silane chemistry and silica particle design, we can deliver differentiated solutions that add value to our customers with a tailored portfolio approach.”

“With Smart Effects, we aim to go beyond in industry,” Auer concluded. “Our goal is to deliver value for our customers by innovative, complementary technologies based on molecules and particles, driven by circular solutions and sustainable effects in applications.”

Smart Effects will maintain local sales teams and tech centers serving customers in over 100 countries, supported by manufacturing facilities across six continents, the company said. The merger aims to streamline innovation in joint applications and technical processes.

Evonik developed surface-modified silica carriers with amino silanes that can extract CO2 from the atmosphere as part of its sustainability push. The company said the new structure will help accelerate similar innovations targeting environmental challenges.

Citing people who are familiar with the matter, the Korea Economic Daily reported that HS Hyosung Advanced Materials Corp. is exploring a sale of its tyre steel cord business that could fetch about 1.5 trillion won ($1 billion).

According to the report, the South Korean manufacturer plans to kick off a preliminary bidding process by the end of February. The people asked not to be identified because the information is private.

The unit generates about 40 percent of the company’s profit. Its sales were 860 billion won last year, and its EBITDA was 140 billion won.

The potential divestment is part of a broader push by Vice Chairman Cho Hyun-sang to pivot toward growth areas including electric vehicle materials, hydrogen and artificial intelligence. Cho, who leads HS Hyosung Group after its spinoff from Hyosung Group in July, is the founder’s third son.

HS Hyosung is the world’s only producer of all three major tyre reinforcements: steel cord, nylon tyre cord, and polyester tyre cord.

The steel cord unit, which bundles thin wires to help tyres absorb shock and improve ride comfort, holds leading market positions in North America and Europe.

A representative for HS Hyosung declined to comment, added the Korea Economic Daily.

Tyre cords are crucial components that enhance tyre durability and driving performance by maintaining shape and supporting vehicle weight.

The company is seeking to divest the steel cord operation, which has less synergy with its core specialty fiber business, to fund investments in new ventures, the people said.