Silicone Waxes

Silicone waxes behave like typical hydrocarbon waxes in that they undergo a phase transition from a solid to a viscous liquid over some well defined temperature range, usually slightly above room temperature. Silicone waxes are compatible with paraffin waxes and can be added to improve lubricity or to lower the surface tension. Silicone waxes are unique because they have a much higher molecular weight and viscosity in the liquid state than do paraffin waxes. Silicone waxes are useful in a range of applications where lubrication is required and the solid/liquid transition is critical. For example, these waxes can be heated for the purpose of coating a part, then the wax will solidify and stay where it was applied.

Genesee Polymers manufactures two general types of silicone waxes, hard waxes and soft waxes. Hard waxes have a narrow melting point (about 1-2°F). Below the melting point, these waxes form a hard, white solid and above they form a clear liquid with a viscosity of about 100 cstks. Hard waxes contain no dimethyl silicone. Soft waxes have a much broader melting point (about 10°F) These undergo a relatively gradual viscosity change about the melting point. Below the melting point, they are very soft and above the melting point they are more viscous than the hard waxes. These soft waxes do contain dimethyl silicone but are still very compatible with petroleum oil and other hydrocarbons.