FreeShip- Microcrystalline Wax, Hard, High Melt Temp- (Prompt rebate on orders with 3 or more FreeShip items!)

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Here is specific information for this particular wax (see the bottom section for additional general info on microcrystalline waxes):
This is an unusual refined microcrystalline wax (MW) with a high melting temp (194 F) and high molecular weight. It is an IGI product, (the International Group, the largest wax producer in the world). It is the highest melt and hardest MW they produce. It's also one of the lightest colors (on ASTM D6045, which ranges from 0 to 30, light to dark, it is 0.2). Per their literature { at https://igiwax.com/microcrystalline-wax/ }, Microcrystalline waxes may broadly be divided into 3 categories: It's in type 3 of MWs (type 1 being "laminating", which is the softest, lowest melt; type 2 being "coating" midpoint soft/hard and melt temp; and type 3 being "hardening" the hardest and highest melt). Some Type 3 MW applications are adhesives, inks, chewing gum, candles, and "specialty" (being the only wax type that receives the "specialty" application suggestion). MWs have great affinity for oil, which remains occluded in it and makes deep deoiling of these waxes very difficult. The low oil content microcrystalline waxes are required in various applications. This is a low content oil MW.
This is a refined white microcrystalline wax (MW) in pastille form. It's an almost white, very pale yellow. It is an unusual MW, being less sticky and flexible than many types of less refined MW. This particular MW melts at 194 F and has a higher molecular weight than most MWs which makes it harder and denser. Most MWs have a higher oil content (which contributes to softness and tackiness). During refinement the high oil content of early stage MW must be removed by de-oiling at a wax refinery. This is an atypical MW because it has most of its oil removed which makes it harder. At lower temps (high 60's, low 70's) it is not tacky and flexible. Thin sheets of it will break at room temperature. It's harder and denser than beeswax because of it's higher molecular weight and melting temperature. Most beeswax melts around 145 F. This MW becomes more flexible like most MW's if you raise its working temperature to the upper 80's or 90's.

Following is more general information about Microcrystalline waxes: Microcrystalline wax is a synthetic wax. It is sometimes used as a replacement for beeswax since it is generally a little less costly than beeswax. Since MW resembles beeswax but is not produced by insects it is sometimes used as a Vegan beeswax. MW has many grades which differ in melting points ranging from that of beeswax (about 145 F) on up to 200F. It ranges in color from a very dark brown (which is less refined and contains more oil, so it has higher tackiness and flexibility at a given temperature) to a very pure white depending on how refined it is. The dark brown version is widely used as the wax positive in the lost wax process of Bronze Art Casting, along with paraffin, both of which are the least expensive of waxes. Microcrystalline wax adds flexibility to paraffin, just as beeswax does. A major use for MW is an additive to paraffin candles because it increases the hardness of paraffin and makes it smoother and stronger. It will increase candle opacity and whiteness, and also decrease candle surface imperfections. It will also aid in prevention of oil migration and reduce brittleness. This MW would make as especially good candle additive because of its high molecular weight and low oil content.
The name derives from the fact that its crystalline structure is smaller than that of the paraffins. It has finer crystals in contrast to the larger crystals of paraffin wax. Microcrystalline wax is generally darker, more viscous, denser, tackier and more elastic than paraffin waxes, and has a higher molecular weight and melting point. While the paraffins have unbranched straight-chain molecules which makes them "slippery", the flexible and adhesive properties of MWs are related to the non-straight chain components which they contain. The typical microcrystalline wax crystal structure is small and thin, making them more flexible than paraffin wax. In contrast to paraffin, MWs may vary widely in character depending on the crude-oil source and the method and degree of refinement. Some are ductile, like beeswax; others are hard and brittle. The melting-point range is higher than that of paraffin wax, with commercial grades ranging from 145 to 200 F.

Besides uses in sculpture, it has other uses in the Arts such as a ready-to-use wax in encaustic painting (an alternative to the beeswax/damar formula), and as an alternative to beeswax and paraffin in Batiking.
MW has a great number of uses since it's properties can be so varied. The specific use may require a very white and pure MW and range all the way to a less refined, and flexible MW. Here are a number of uses (all requiring different types of MWs): cosmetics, adhesives, skin care, inks, candles, laminated paper, chewing gum, rubber, sealing compositions, polishes, food packaging, hot-melt adhesive modification, crayons, candles, caulk, and rust preventing compounds
Quoting from Wikipedia:
"Microcrystalline waxes {blended with other waxes} have considerable application in the custom making of Jewelry and small Sculptures. Different formulations produce waxes from those soft enough to be molded by hand to those hard enough to be carved with rotary tools. The melted wax can be cast to make multiple copies that are further carved with details. Jewelry suppliers sell wax molded into the basic forms of rings as well as details that can be heat welded together and tubes and sheets for cutting and building the wax models. Rings may be attached to a wax "tree" so many can be cast in one pouring.
A brand of microcrystalline wax, Renaissance Wax, is also used extensively in museum and conservation settings for protection and polishing of antique woods, ivory, gemstones, and metal objects. It was developed by The British Museum in the 1950s to replace the potentially unstable natural waxes that were previously used such as beeswax and carnauba."
Other uses:
"Microcrystalline wax is often used in industries such as the tire and rubber, candles, adhesives, corrugated board, cosmetics, castings, and a host of others. 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....it is used in sports too, specifically in ice hockey and snowboarding. It is applied to the friction tape of an ice hockey stick to prevent degradation of the tape due to water destroying the glue on the tape and also to increase control of the hockey puck due to the wax’s adhesive quality.....it is also a key component in the manufacture of petrolatum {"Vaseline"}. The branched structure of the carbon chain backbone allows oil molecules to be incorporated into the crystal lattice structure. The desired properties of the petrolatum can be modified by using microcrystalline wax bases of different congeal points".

Reviews

Reviews (2)

Average:

Sep 24, 2023

not try yet, but looks good

Hui

Mar 8, 2023

I’ve made multiple pigment purchases and I’m very happy with the product I receive. The seller is always helpful with questions and usually ships the product out next day. Very quick and easy. Thankful that these products are sold in this quantity, I’m a solo artist living in a small city apartment and don’t have room for bulk. I expect to make many more purchases in the future!

Emma