| HS Code | 880823 |
| Product Name | Wax Emulsion COW-6 |
| Product Type | Aqueous wax emulsion |
| Physical Form | Liquid |
| Appearance | Milky white to off-white emulsion |
| Solid Content | Approximately 30% |
| Ph | 8.0–10.0 |
| Viscosity | Typically ≤100 mPa·s |
| Density | Approximately 1.0 g/cm³ |
| Particle Size | Typically ≤1 µm |
| Carrier | Water |
| Odor | Slight characteristic |
| Storage Temperature | 5–35 °C |
| Shelf Life | 6–12 months |
| Freeze Thaw Stability | Avoid freezing |
| Film Characteristics | Transparent to translucent film |
As an accredited Wax Emulsion COW-6 factory, we enforce strict quality protocols—every batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent efficacy and safety standards.
| Packing | Wax Emulsion COW-6 is typically supplied in 200 L polyethylene-lined steel drums, securely sealed and labeled for industrial transport and storage. |
| Container Loading (20′ FCL) | Wax Emulsion COW-6 is drummed, palletized, and loaded into a 20′ FCL container, secured and labeled for safe ocean shipment. |
| Shipping | Wax Emulsion COW-6 is typically shipped as a non-hazardous aqueous emulsion in sealed, labeled drums or IBCs. Keep containers upright and secure, and protect from freezing and extreme heat. Confirm the current SDS and carrier regulations before shipment, since classification may vary by formulation. Use appropriate handling precautions. |
| Storage | Store Wax Emulsion COW-6 in original, tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area protected from direct sunlight, heat sources, and freezing. Keep away from incompatible materials and ignition sources. Maintain clear labels and use first-in, first-out stock rotation. Inspect containers periodically for leaks or damage, and contain spills promptly according to local regulations. |
| Shelf Life | Typically 12 months from date of manufacture when stored in original, unopened containers under recommended conditions, protected from freezing and direct sunlight. |
In aqueous flexographic ink systems, wax emulsions are consumed as surface-modifying additives rather than as primary film formers. COW-6 is charged during the letdown stage after the resin solution has been neutralized and the pigments have been dispersed. Addition rates of 0.8–2.0 wt% as-received emulsion are metered into the finished ink; the corresponding dry wax solids are determined by ISO 3251:2019 and subtracted from the water budget to avoid viscosity drift. A low-shear mixing regime of 500–800 rpm in a swept-wall stainless steel vessel prevents shear-induced destabilization; rotor-stator homogenizers above 1,200 rpm are not used after the wax phase is added because they can rupture the stabilized droplets and raise filtration pressure. Finished ink viscosity is controlled to 20–25 s in a 4 mm flow cup at 25 °C according to ISO 2431:2019. The pH is maintained between 8.5 and 9.5; a fall below 8.2 on press can precipitate wax solids onto plate edges and anilox cells on central impression flexographic lines. Printed film is evaluated for rub resistance using ASTM D5264, and blocking is assessed by stacking printed sheets under a 0.35 kg/cm² load at 40 °C for 16 h. For packaging inks used on printed food-contact surfaces, the formulation is checked against EuPIA exclusion criteria and Article 28 of Commission Regulation EU 10/2011 where migration limits apply. Terminal applications include surface-printed LDPE pouches, BOPP labels and paper sacks. Published data for COW-6 in specific resin-cationic additive systems is limited; combinations with cationic wetting agents should be avoided because rapid coagulation is observed at pigment content above 25 wt%.
Aqueous leather topcoats based on polyurethane-acrylic hybrid dispersions develop blocking defects during stacking if dry-film surface energy remains above 30 mN/m. COW-6 is incorporated at 2–6 dry parts per 100 dry parts of binder solids, corresponding to roughly 5–15 wt% of as-received emulsion depending on solids. The addition is made after the final crosslinker addition and after pH correction to 8.0–9.0, using a paddle stirrer at 300–500 rpm. High-shear Cowles dispersers are avoided because they can destabilize the wax dispersion and produce microfoam that persists in spray application. Spray coating is performed with HVLP or air-assisted airless equipment using nozzle sizes between 1.2 mm and 1.8 mm at 2.0–3.5 bar; drying tunnels are operated at 70–90 °C for 3–5 min. Dry rub resistance is assessed by ISO 11640:2018 using a 1 kg load; wax incorporation improves wet and dry rub retention without affecting adhesion when the addition remains below 6 dry parts. Wet rub testing per ISO 11640 requires reconditioning at 23 °C and 50 % RH for 24 h. Compliance for automotive interior leather includes REACH Annex XVII restricted substance screening and ISO 17226-2:2018 for formaldehyde content where applicable. Terminal goods include upholstery leather, automotive seating and bookbinding leathers. Above 8 dry parts, gloss reduction and hazy film appearance become measurable on black basecoats; therefore, full-grain aniline finishes are not recommended as a first-use substrate.
Because aqueous coated linerboard must resist blocking during hot stack storage at 40–50 °C, the coating formulation is modified with a wax dispersion after the starch-latex binder has been cooked and cooled. COW-6 is dosed at 3–8 wt% on total coating colour solids in rod and blade coating applications. The addition point is after the latex binder but before the final viscosity adjustment to 1,200–2,000 mPa·s at 25 °C as measured by Brookfield RVT spindle 4 at 20 rpm. High-shear agitation above 1,000 rpm is unnecessary and may entrain air; low-shear side-entry mixers are used to maintain homogeneity. Coated board is dried to 6–8 % moisture and calendered at 90–120 kN/m line load. Water absorption is measured according to ISO 535:2014, and blocking performance is determined by TAPPI T 477 or equivalent hot-block test methods. For food-contact paperboard under 21 CFR 176.170 and 21 CFR 176.180, the dry wax coating component must meet the extractive limits when the board is used with aqueous and fatty food types. Terminal products include folding carton stock, corrugated pre-print liner and beverage multi-pack board. COW-6 is compatible with styrene-butadiene and acrylate latex systems at pH 7.5–9.0; calcium ion hardness above 200 ppm in dilution water can destabilize the emulsion and should be sequestered. The pH of the coating colour is maintained above 7.5; acidification below 7.0 can cause deposition on stainless steel blades and backing rolls.
Waterborne wood lacquers formulated with self-crosslinking acrylic dispersions often exhibit residual tack at hot stack temperatures between 35 °C and 55 °C. COW-6 is added at 1–3 wt% as-received on total formulation weight, after the matting agent has been dispersed and before final coalescing solvent adjustment. The mixing sequence uses a low-shear dissolver at 600 rpm for 10 min; prolonged mixing beyond 30 min under vacuum degassing does not improve film properties and may increase free surfactant foam. Spray application is carried out with air-assisted airless units at 1.5–2.2 bar air cap pressure and 1.2–1.6 mm nozzle orifice. Film builds of 80–120 µm wet are dried for 4–6 h at 23 °C before sanding with 320–400 grit paper. Scratch resistance is evaluated with EN 15186:2012 or a 5 kg multi-finger scratch tester; addition of COW-6 at 2 wt% is generally sufficient to reduce surface friction without measurable Pendulum hardness loss according to ISO 1522:2006. Toy safety compliance is checked against DIN EN 71-3 migration limits when the lacquer is used on children’s furniture. Terminal finished goods are flat-pack furniture panels, kitchen cabinet doors and engineered wood mouldings. Above 4 wt% as-received emulsion, clarity on dark oak stains declines and intercoat adhesion can be reduced, so the addition ceiling is set at 3 wt% for transparent high-gloss systems. Published data for COW-6 in waterborne wood coatings specifically in high-build, one-coat industrial lines is limited; lower addition rates should be validated on production equipment before scale-up.
Oxidized polyethylene wax emulsions function in waterborne metal primers as temporary hydrophobic modifiers, not as permanent barrier pigments. COW-6 is charged at 5–15 wt% as-received into the letdown of a styrene-acrylic or acrylic-epoxy primer after neutralization with dimethylethanolamine to pH 8.0–9.0. The emulsion is added slowly at 400–600 rpm; injecting it too quickly into an acidic grind base below pH 7.0 leads to coagulation. Final primer viscosity is set to 60–90 s in a 4 mm flow cup for spray application. Salt spray resistance is tested according to ISO 9227:2022 for 120–240 h depending on the substrate, and adhesion after exposure is measured by ISO 2409:2020 cross-cut. Coefficient of friction on cured film is determined using a static friction fixture at a 100 g sled load. The wax phase acts as a dry-film lubricant for fasteners and machined steel parts; it is not a substitute for long-term corrosion-inhibiting pigments above C3 corrosivity categories per ISO 12944-2:2017. Terminal products include temporary protective shop primers, coil edge coatings and interior metal furniture primers. Combinations with zinc-rich formulations are not recommended because conductive zinc particles and wax agglomeration can compromise cathodic protection. Exposure to pH above 10.5 for more than 72 h can hydrolyze the ester groups in some oxidized wax grades and reduce film hydrophobicity.
Sprayed concrete curing compounds are regulated by moisture-retention requirements rather than by film aesthetics. COW-6 is used in waterborne curing compounds at 2–10 wt% as-received, combined with a styrene-acrylic latex binder and a white pigment dispersion. The formulated compound is applied to fresh concrete at 170–220 g/m² using a low-pressure sprayer; moisture retention after 72 h is tested in accordance with ASTM C309-19 and AASHTO M148. The emulsion must remain stable when diluted with hard water containing 300–500 ppm calcium carbonate; premixing with sequestering agent is specified before adding COW-6. Form release applications use a ratio of 1–3 parts COW-6 to 100 parts water-diluted release agent; the release agent is sprayed onto formwork at 20–30 g/m² wet film. Alkaline stability is confirmed by holding a 10 wt% emulsion dilution in saturated calcium hydroxide solution at 25 °C for 24 h without visible sediment. Terminal products are highway pavement, precast cladding panels and tilt-up concrete panels. Application in low temperatures below 4 °C is not recommended because coalescence of the paraffin phase is incomplete and moisture retention drops below the 60 % threshold required by ASTM C309. For architectural precast concrete, compatibility with acid etch stains and silicone-based sealers must be verified; wax-containing curing membranes can interfere with adhesion of subsequent surface treatments.
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Wax Emulsion COW-6 is supplied as a translucent, off-white anionic dispersion of oxidised high-density polyethylene wax in deionised water. The model suffix 6 identifies the oxidised high-density polyethylene grade with intermediate acid number in the COW series. The product is standardised to a non-volatile content of 34 ± 1% by mass when tested in accordance with ISO 3251:2019 (2 h at 105 °C). The pH at 25 °C is 8.8 ± 0.5 using ISO 976:2013, and Brookfield RVT viscosity at 25 °C, spindle 2, 60 rpm, is typically 45 ± 10 mPa·s according to ASTM D2196-20. Density at 20 °C is 0.99 ± 0.01 g/cm³ measured by ISO 2811-1:2023. Laser diffraction particle sizing on a Malvern Mastersizer 3000 in accordance with ISO 13320:2020 gives a D50 of 0.32 µm and a D90 below 0.85 µm. The dispersion contains an anionic/non-ionic emulsifier package and is preserved with a CMIT/MIT-free biocide; no added alkylphenol ethoxylates are present. Manufacture is carried out by high-shear inversion on a Ross 100 HSD rotor-stator mixer operating at 1,800 m/min tip speed, followed by low-shear cooling in a scraped-surface heat exchanger. This route yields a low coarse-grit residue, typically <0.01% on a 25 µm mesh filter. The product is supplied in 200 L HDPE drums, 1,000 L intermediate bulk containers, and stainless steel bulk tankers with recirculation ports. The material is not classified as dangerous goods under ADR/RID/IMDG and is not assigned a hazard statement under CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
Rheological measurements under progressive shear show that the emulsion remains below 60 mPa·s after 15 min of exposure to an IKA T25 Ultra-Turrax at 10,000 rpm; the viscosity increase is typically <10%. The Brookfield viscosity ratio at 6 rpm to 60 rpm is 1.2, indicating near-Newtonian behaviour. This shear tolerance permits addition into flexographic and gravure ink letdown tanks without cavitation-induced destabilisation. Production-scale experience in 20,000 L side-scraping tanks indicates that pre-dilution with deionised water at a 1:1 mass ratio reduces localised concentration gradients when the emulsion is introduced into high-pigment-volume concentrates. Recommended dosage in water-based flexographic inks is 1.0–2.5 wt% of total formula weight; in overprint varnishes the level is 1.5–3.0 wt%. The emulsion contributes surface slip and block resistance after thermal drying; coefficient of friction measured by ASTM D1894-14 on black-polyethylene-coated paper at a coating weight of 1.2 g/m² dry is typically 0.35. The dispersion is compatible with acrylic emulsion polymers, styrene-acrylic binders, and polyurethane dispersions at pH 8.0–9.0, but should not be let down directly with hard water above 400 ppm calcium carbonate equivalent; pre-softened or deionised water is preferred to avoid calcium-bridging flocculation. For flexographic plate compatibility, immersion of a photopolymer plate in undiluted emulsion for 24 h at 25 °C produces a diameter change of <2% in the modified ASTM D471 test. Foaming tendency under high-speed mixing is controlled by the bound emulsifier; in a 1 L graduated cylinder after 5 min recirculation at 3,000 rpm, foam volume is typically <20 mL. Where foam persists, mineral-oil-based defoamers are preferred over silicone-containing formulations because silicone can interfere with overprint varnish wetting.
The primary differences between COW-6 and adjacent COW-series products arise from base-wax oxidation level and molecular weight. COW-6 has an acid number of 16 ± 2 mg KOH/g determined by ISO 2114:2000, which places it between the non-oxidised paraffinic COW-3 (<1 mg KOH/g) and the oxidised high-ester carnauba-containing COW-9 (8 ± 1 mg KOH/g). The higher acid number reduces interfacial tension against polar binders and improves adhesion to aluminium foil and metallised films. Hansen solubility parameters for the extracted base wax are δD 16.5 MPa0.5, δP 1.2 MPa0.5, and δH 2.5 MPa0.5 for COW-6; COW-3 has δP 0.5 MPa0.5 and COW-9 has δH 4.8 MPa0.5. These values explain the stronger affinity of COW-6 for acrylic acid copolymers and cellulose ester systems. Coalescence behaviour also differs: COW-6 forms a translucent film after forced-air drying at 80 °C for 60 s, whereas COW-3 remains hazy and COW-9 requires 100 °C for full film continuity on non-porous substrates. The data in the table below are typical values from production records, not specification limits.
| Parameter | COW-6 | COW-3 | COW-9 | Test method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-volatile content | 34 ± 1% | 40 ± 1% | 35 ± 1% | ISO 3251:2019 |
| Acid number of base wax | 16 ± 2 mg KOH/g | <1 mg KOH/g | 8 ± 1 mg KOH/g | ISO 2114:2000 |
| Mean particle size D50 | 0.32 µm | 0.48 µm | 0.40 µm | ISO 13320:2020 |
| Brookfield RVT viscosity at 25 °C | 45 ± 10 mPa·s | 120 ± 20 mPa·s | 80 ± 15 mPa·s | ASTM D2196-20 |
| Kinetic coefficient of friction on paperboard | 0.35 | 0.22 | 0.28 | ASTM D1894-14 |
| Cobb 60 water absorptiveness | 18 g/m² | 25 g/m² | 20 g/m² | ISO 535:2023 |
These differences are measurable on a K-bar coater at 6 µm wet film thickness: COW-6 shows no visible mudcracking after 24 h at 23 °C, while COW-3 forms a discontinuous film below 10 µm wet. Compared with COW-3, COW-6 provides higher water resistance and adhesion to polar surfaces but lower gloss; compared with COW-9, COW-6 offers lower coefficient of friction and better dry sanding.
In paperboard sizing applications, Wax Emulsion COW-6 functions as a partial replacement for alkyl ketene dimer or rosin-based size at 0.8–2.5 wt% of dry fibre in the metering size press. The addition point is normally the size press circulation loop, after starch cooking and before the screen. The emulsion should be metered through positive displacement pumps with progressive cavity rotors; high-pressure homogenisers are not required. In pilot-scale blade coating of 250 g/m² board, a coating colour containing 5 parts COW-6 per 100 parts dry pigment shows no strike-through at 45 °C drying and maintains a Brookfield RVT viscosity below 1,200 mPa·s at 100 rpm after 24 h. The minimum film-forming temperature of the emulsion is <5 °C due to the plasticising emulsifier, but coalescence in hydrophobic binder phases may require dryer web surface temperatures above 60 °C. Mill experience on coated recycled board machines indicates that addition at 1.0–1.5 wt% of dry fibre can raise internal sizing response; no universal Cobb value is assigned because furnish composition and retention aid programmes differ. The material is not added directly to thick stock where alum concentration exceeds 0.5 wt% on dry fibre. Pre-drying at relative humidity above 60% requires infrared or air-impingement dryers set to 80–100 °C for 30–60 s to prevent blocking in stack calenders.
A separate application envelope exists in waterborne wood coating systems, where COW-6 is used as a matting and sanding aid in acrylic/polyurethane dispersions. Addition levels of 2.0–4.0 wt% on total resin solids reduce intercoat adhesion failure and improve dry sanding with 240-grit aluminium oxide paper. In a two-component waterborne polyurethane topcoat applied at 120 g/m² wet film thickness, the presence of COW-6 at 3.0 wt% decreases the gloss at 60° from 85 GU to 62 GU when measured by ISO 2813:2014, without requiring silica matting agents. The dispersed wax also lowers the Taber wear index from 32 mg to 21 mg per 1,000 cycles under CS-10 wheels and 500 g load in ASTM D4060-19. Block resistance measured by ASTM D4946-89 after 24 h at 50 °C under 0.07 MPa is rated 8 on a 1–10 scale. The product should be incorporated after pigment dispersion, and pump seals should be flushed with water to remove residual emulsion; dried wax films are soluble in warm isopropanol at 50 °C for cleaning. No additional coalescent is required for film formation at room temperature, but film hardness should not be evaluated before 24 h at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity.
Storage should be maintained between 5 °C and 35 °C in sealed containers. The product undergoes irreversible viscosity increase and possible phase separation if exposed to −5 °C for more than 24 h; freeze-thaw stability is not claimed. Shelf life is 6 months from the date of manufacture in unopened original packaging. Bulk storage in carbon steel is not recommended; 316L stainless steel or HDPE with gentle recirculation at 20–30 rpm is preferred. Avoid contact with cationic polyelectrolytes, aluminium sulfate, and strongly acidic solutions below pH 4.0, as charge reversal produces coagulum. The material is compatible with anionic and non-ionic starches, carboxymethyl cellulose, and acrylic dispersions. It is not assessed as hazardous under CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and does not contain SVHC above the 0.1% threshold defined in REACH Article 57. The following compliance status applies to the product as supplied; final article confirmation remains the responsibility of the converter.
| Regulatory framework | Status | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| FDA 21 CFR 176.170 | Compliant as a component of paper and paperboard for aqueous and fatty foods | Components listed under §176.170, addition level ≤ 5 wt% of dry coating |
| REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 | No SVHC above 0.1% | Article 57 candidate list |
| RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU | No restricted substances above maximum concentration values | Annex II |
| EU 10/2011 | Not directly applicable to paper; migration to be confirmed on final plastic laminate | Annex I, overall migration |
When COW-6 is used in wet-end applications, the furnish charge demand must be measured before addition. Because the emulsion carries an anionic surface charge with a zeta potential of −45 ± 5 mV at pH 8.5, addition to a furnish containing cationic polyacrylamide or poly-DADMAC can form visible agglomerates within seconds. This interaction is not observed with non-ionic retention aids or with amphoteric starches at pH 7.0–8.5. In closed white-water systems where cationic demand exceeds 1,000 µeq/L, a pre-dilution tank with continuous conductivity monitoring is required. Charge reversal of the emulsion is initiated when the zeta potential rises to −10 mV, leading to filter plugging and wire deposits. The process window for wet-end addition is therefore limited to pH 7.5–9.0 and conductivity below 2,000 µS/cm. Outside this window, the emulsion should be shifted to the size press or coating section, where cationic end groups are less concentrated and the anionic binder phase dominates.
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