Montan wax
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Montan wax, also known as lignite wax, is a hard wax obtained by solvent extraction of certain types of lignite or brown coal.
Properties
Its color ranges from dark brown to light yellow when crude, or white when refined. Its composition is non-glyceride long-chain (C24-C30) carboxylic acid esters (62-68 weight %), free long-chain organic acids (22-26%), long-chain alcohols, ketones and hydrocarbons (7-15%) and resins; it is in effect a fossilized plant wax. Its melting point is 79-90 °C.Uses
It is used for making car and shoe polishes, paints, and phonograph records, and as lubricant for molding, paper and plastics. About a third of total world production is used in car polishes. Formerly the largest consumer used to be carbon papers.Unrefined montan wax contains asphalt and resins, which can be removed by refining. Montan wax in polishes improves scuff resistance and increases water repellence, and imparts high gloss.
History
The earliest production of montan wax is recorded in Germany, which still supplies the majority of world's production.Technical information
As a food additive, it has the E number E912. It is used for coating of citrus fruits.
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