Mechanism of Action of Wax Emulsion

Mechanism of Blooming

    Melted wax particles float (or bloom) to the surface. As the coating cools, the wax particles recrystallize, forming a thin, continuous wax-rich surface layer.

    The softer the wax or the lower its melting point, the more pronounced the blooming mechanism.

    The compatibility between the wax emulsion and other formulation components determines the migration rate of the wax.

Ball Bearing Mechanism

    In this case, solid wax particles migrate individually or protrude to the surface. By slightly protruding above the coating surface like ping-pong balls floating on water, they act as physical spacers and prevent close contact with another surface.

    Hard waxes and high-melting-point waxes (such as HDPE and PTFE) operate via this mechanism under certain conditions. Both particle density and protrusion degree affect the magnitude of the effect. Once on the surface, the layer of wax particles can alter the coefficient of friction (CoF) of the substrate, thereby imparting desired properties. This explains why waxes are commonly classified as "surface modifier additives."