Waxes prepared from hydrogenated plant oils, such as palm and soybean, are
used as substitutes for petroleum derived waxes in hot-melt adhesive compositions.
Unlike petroleum-derived or synthetic waxes, adhesive compositions comprising these
waxes, which are obtained from naturally derived, renewable resources, achieve
adhesion performance similar to conventional adhesives containing petroleum-derived
waxes. The inventive waxes have a low iodine value (between 2-5), and melting points
between approximately 120-165 degrees F. (Mettler Drop Point). These waxes comprise
a triglyceride whose fatty acids are predominantly stearic acid (C18).
The naturally derived waxes are used as an alternative to petroleum and synthetically
derived waxes in the manufacture of adhesives used to bond paper, wood, glass,
plastic and metal in a variety of manufacturing operations.
