Control Methods of Physical Properties of Oily Wax-gel and Improvement of Gel Hardness of Plant-derived Waxes

Abstract

Technical methods for controlling the hardness of wax-gels in which waxes are used as the solidifying agent are described. The hardness of the wax gel varies by the type of oils or the mixture of waxes, and the difference in the hardness is related to the shape of wax crystals in the gel and the card-house structure formed by them. The gelling abilities of plant-derived waxes are generally inferior to those of hydrocarbon waxes, but the hardness can be increased by adding long-chain ester waxes or high-melting-point higher alcohols.