Waterborne Wax Emulsions and Powders

Both natural and synthetic waxes are used in ink. Waxes provide increased block, rub, scuff and/or water resistance. Waterborne wax emulsions are produced in a range of particle sizes between 35 to 175 nm (number average particle size distribution) by Michelman, Shamrock Wax, and others. Polyethylene and Fischer-Tropsch emulsions improve the rub and scuff resistance of an ink. Carnauba paraffin and polypropylene emulsions are used to prevent blocking and improve water resistance of an ink. 

Certain waxes are micro-pulverized to yield particle sizes smaller than a dispersed pigment particle. A micro-pulverized wax is stirred into ink as a powder. Recycled PTFE (Teflon) is supplied in small particle powder form. 

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