Emulsifiability of waxes
Determining the emulsifiability of waxes using the HLB value, method according to DEUREX
In chemistry, the HLB value (HLB = Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) describes the hydrophilic and lipophilic content of emulsifiable waxes and polymers. The emulsifiability of waxes [HLB method according to DEUREX] is calculated as follows:
HLB = 20 x (1 – E/M)
M is the molar mass of the molecule and E is the energy required for emulsification in water. The factor 20 is a scaling factor freely selected by DEUREX. Background: Lipophilic waxes have an HLB value of 1 to 10, while hydrophilic waxes have a value of over 10. Whereby the maximum and thus the easiest emulsifiability of waxes according to DEUREX is reached at 20. Non-emulsifiable waxes have mathematically negative HLB values. They are rated with the number “0” according to HLB DEUREX. This results in a scale from 0 to 20. The classification of emulsifiability:
HLB value
Emulsifiability
0
Not emulsifiable.
1 - 4
Emulsifiable with good high-pressure technology.
5 - 9
Emulsifiable with high pressure technology, milky end products.
10 - 14
Emulsifiable with autoclaves, fine particles, milky end products.
15 - 20
Easily emulsifiable, finest particle sizes, qualities transparent and color like apple juice. Low production costs. Dose of emulsifiers can be significantly reduced with increasing HLB value.
18 - 20
Pressureless emulsification.
