What is Slack Wax? | Composition, Grades & Industrial Applications

Slack wax also known as Foots Oil is a type of petroleum wax that is obtained as a byproduct during the production of base oil. It is a semi-refined wax, meaning it contains impurities and a higher oil content compared to fully refined waxes like paraffin wax. Foots Oil is commonly used as a feedstock for further refining processes to produce various types of waxes with specific characteristics.

What is Slack Wax?

Slack wax is a petroleum-derived material that serves as an intermediate product in the production of fully refined paraffin wax. It is a semi-solid mixture of oil and wax, typically obtained during the refining of lubricating oil. Due to its unique composition and affordability, Foots Oil is used across numerous industries including candles, matches, rubber, and construction.

Composition of Slack Wax

Foots Oil contains varying proportions of:

• Paraffinic waxes

• Oil content (10–30%)

• Aromatic compounds and additives

Depending on the source and refining process, Foots Oil can range from soft and oily to relatively hard and dry.

How Is Slack Wax Produced?

Foots Oil is a byproduct of the solvent dewaxing process in lubricating oil production. The process involves:

• Dewaxing of lube oil feedstock

• Filtration or solvent precipitation

• Separation of Foots Oil from oil

This intermediate wax can later be further refined into fully refined or semi-refined paraffin waxes.

Grades of Slack Wax

Foots Oil is typically available in two commercial grades:

1. Light Slack Wax

Contains less oil and has a lighter color. Used in cosmetic and coating applications.

2. Heavy Slack Wax

Has higher oil content and is used in rubber extrusion, matchsticks, and industrial processes.

Uses of Slack Wax:

Foots Oil has a wide range of applications across industries:

A. Candle Manufacturing

Used as a base or blending agent due to its waxy texture and affordability.

B. Match Industry

Acts as a coating to improve ignition properties.

C. Rubber & Tyre Industry

Used as a process oil and mold release agent.

D. Plywood and Particle Board

Provides water resistance and smooth finishing in board lamination.

E. Emulsions & Polishes

Used in the formulation of wax emulsions for textiles, leather, and flooring.

One of the primary uses of slack wax is in the production of fully refined paraffin wax. It serves as the starting material for the refining process, where impurities and excess oil are removed to obtain a higher-quality wax. Fully refined paraffin wax has a wide range of applications in industries such as candles, packaging, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Foots Oil itself also finds use in certain applications where the specific properties of semi-refined wax are suitable.

For example, it is used as a component in the manufacturing of certain types of candles, where a softer texture or a lower melting point may be desired. Foots Oil can be blended with other waxes to achieve the desired characteristics for different candle formulations.

In addition, Foots Oil is utilized in the rubber industry as a processing aid and release agent. It helps prevent rubber compounds from sticking to molds and processing equipment during the manufacturing process. Its semi-refined nature allows for better compatibility with rubber compounds and facilitates the processing of rubber materials.

Furthermore, Foots Oil can be employed in the production of various wax-based products such as wax blends, polishes, and coatings. Its higher oil content provides additional flexibility and adhesion, making it suitable for applications that require a certain level of pliability and durability.

It’s important to note that the specific properties of Foots Oil can vary depending on the source and refining process. Different grades of Foots Oil are available to meet the requirements of different industries and applications. The refining process can involve the removal of impurities, color, and excess oil to produce different grades of slack wax with varying characteristics.

Benefits of Slack Wax:

• Cost-effective raw material

• Versatile in industrial applications

• Modifiable—can be refined or blended

• Good lubrication and sealing properties

Is Slack Wax Safe?

Foots Oil is generally not intended for direct human contact or food-related applications due to its oil content and lower purification. For such uses, fully refined paraffin wax is recommended.

Environmental Considerations

Some slack waxes may contain trace hydrocarbons that require proper handling and disposal. Industries should ensure:

• Responsible sourcing

• Safe storage

• Compliance with local environmental regulations

FAQs

H3: Q: Can slack wax be used in cosmetics?

A: Only in certain industrial-grade formulations. Cosmetic applications typically require more refined wax.

H3: Q: What is the difference between slack wax and paraffin wax?

A: Foots Oil is a crude, oily precursor to paraffin wax, which is more refined and suitable for sensitive uses.

H3: Q: Is Foots Oil biodegradable?

A: It is petroleum-based and not considered biodegradable in the short term.

Conclusion

Slack wax is a semi-refined petroleum wax that is used as a feedstock for the production of fully refined waxes. It finds applications in the manufacturing of candles, rubber processing, wax blends, polishes, and coatings. The specific properties of Foots Oil can be tailored through refining processes to meet the requirements of different industries and applications.

Discover what slack wax is, its composition, grades, and key industrial uses. Learn how this semi-refined petroleum product plays a vital role in manufacturing.

• Slack wax definition

• Slack wax composition

• Uses of Foots Oil

• Foots Oil vs Paraffin wax

• Industrial slack wax

 

Contact Pars Universal Bitumen-Ltd

For more information or to place an order, please contact PUB-Ltd sales team @ Contact Us.

Our Expert will be in touch with you to guide you about the Use of Slack Wax, that can be produced according to your project requirements. Please Get in touch with us for discussing your project details. PUB-Ltd As Your Paraffin & Wax Supplier.