The Use of Erucamide Wax in Printing Inks and Coatings

Introduction

Erucamide wax is a primary fatty amide which contains 22 carbons in its long chain. The wax is derived from erucic acid which is present in vegetable oils like rapeseed oil and mustard oil. Erucamide wax is a preferred slip agent in printing inks and coatings due to its high melting point and low volatility. In this article, we'll explore the features of erucamide wax and its use in printing inks and coatings.

Properties of Erucamide Wax

Erucamide wax is a crystalline substance which is white or pale yellow in color. It has a melting point range between 78°C to 84°C and a boiling point of 417°C. Erucamide wax has good slip and anti-block properties, which make it a popular choice for printing inks and coatings. The wax is an excellent lubricant, which helps in reducing friction and improving flow in materials. Erucamide wax is soluble in common solvents and compatible with many resins.

Applications of Erucamide Wax in Printing Inks

Printing inks require slip agents to minimize friction between two surfaces. The presence of slip agents in printing inks improves the printing quality and reduces the occurrence of defects like ink smudging and picking. Erucamide wax is widely used as a slip agent in printing inks due to its excellent slip properties. The wax helps in improving the surface properties of the printed material, reducing the coefficient of friction between surfaces, and improving the release of the ink from the printing plate.

Erucamide wax also helps in reducing the blocking tendency of the printing inks. Blocking refers to the sticking of two surfaces when they come into contact with each other. The application of erucamide wax in printing inks creates a non-stick barrier that minimizes the sticking tendency of the ink. As a result, the ink does not transfer from one surface to another, ensuring excellent print quality.

Applications of Erucamide Wax in Coatings

Coatings are used to protect surfaces from environmental factors, abrasion, and wear. The use of erucamide wax in coatings helps in improving slip, anti-blocking, and release properties. The wax acts as a lubricant, reducing friction and improving the flow of the coatings. Additionally, the presence of erucamide wax in coatings improves scratch resistance, making the coatings more durable.

Erucamide wax is compatible with many types of coatings, including water-based coatings, solvent-based coatings, and UV-cured coatings. The wax contributes to the formation of a non-stick barrier between the coated surface and the environment, which minimizes the sticking tendency of the surface. This feature is particularly useful for coatings that are exposed to extreme conditions like high humidity.

Advantages of Erucamide Wax

Erucamide wax has several advantages over other slip agents used in printing inks and coatings. The wax has a high melting point, which makes it stable at high temperatures. It also has low volatility, which means that it does not evaporate easily. Additionally, erucamide wax is compatible with many types of resins, making it a versatile slip agent in printing inks and coatings.

Moreover, erucamide wax is a renewable resource that is derived from vegetable oils. It is non-toxic and eco-friendly, making it a preferred choice for companies that are committed to sustainability. The use of erucamide wax in printing inks and coatings helps in reducing the carbon footprint of the products.

Conclusion

Erucamide wax is a versatile and eco-friendly slip agent that offers excellent slip, anti-block, and release properties. Its high melting point and low volatility make it a stable and reliable choice for printing inks and coatings. The use of erucamide wax in printing inks and coatings helps in improving the printing quality of materials and the durability of coatings. Erucamide wax is a renewable resource that is derived from vegetable oils and is non-toxic, making it an ideal choice for companies that are committed to sustainability.