Fischer-Tropsch (FT) Wax — Frequently Asked Questions

By how it is made and therefore by its structure. Paraffin is separated from crude oil and contains a distribution of chain lengths with some branching. FT wax is synthesised from carbon monoxide and hydrogen, building chains one carbon at a time, which gives longer, more highly linear molecules with a narrower distribution. The result is harder, higher melting and lower in oil content.

Because its molecules are longer and straighter. Long linear chains pack into a more ordered, denser crystal lattice with more points of contact between molecules, so more energy is needed to separate them. That also gives a narrower melting range and greater hardness than a paraffin of comparable average molecular weight.

As a hardening and gloss additive in candle and wax blends, in hot-melt adhesives and coatings, as a processing aid and lubricant in polymer compounding, in printing inks, and in road marking and bitumen modification. In most of these it is added to raise the melting point and hardness of a base wax rather than used alone.

It is synthesised, though the carbon monoxide and hydrogen feed can come from natural gas, coal or biomass, so the ultimate origin varies. The synthesis route rather than the feedstock is what defines the product and gives it its linearity and purity. Origin should be confirmed where a renewable or non-petroleum claim is being made.