The MARCUS series of homopolymers have very useful physical and chemical characteristics making them compatible with a broad spectrum of other waxes and upgrading the features of other types, notibly, paraffin wax. These benefits are frequently secured at low addition levels without modifying the other positive features of the paraffin.
A MARCUS homopolymer blended at a level of 3 – 5% into a paraffin wax will significantly boost the softening point and hardness of the latter without having any detrimental effect upon the melt viscosity.
These advantages are of value in the modification of paraffin wax for a number of applications such as have already been outlined but also in the formulation of crayons and candles.
To summarize, the benefits which may accrue are:
- Boosting of softening point and hardness.
- Low melt viscosity maintained.
- Gloss and opacity.
Improved mold release features.