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ISU researchers have developed a synthetic process to convert soybean oil into a new material with a high hardness comparable to that of palm-based carnauba wax and a much higher melting point.

In North America, the consumption of wax is around three billion pounds per year with an associated vale in excess of three billion dollars. Markets of waxes are diverse, ranging from simple fuel in candles to practical applications such as coating in the paper and packaging industry. The largest market of wax remains in the packaging area, which are mostly derived from petroleum-based paraffin waxes. However, because of the increasing price and limited resource of crude oil and growing concern about its impact on the environment, there is considerable interest for cost-effective, higher performing and naturally sourced alternatives like carnauba wax. To address this issue, ISU researchers developed a new material derived from soybean oil that has superior properties to petroleum paraffin wax with a high hardness, high melting point and good surface finish.

• Natural and renewable

• High hardness

• Higher melting point than carnauba wax

• Offer a new market channel for the utilization of soybean oil

Coating in the paper and packaging area; Food additives; Candles