Alkyl ketene dimer wax

Alkyl ketene dimer wax is a reactive hydrophobizing material used to manufacture paper-sizing agents. Its long alkyl chains reduce the affinity of treated fiber surfaces for water, while its reactive dimer structure supports development of sizing during paper drying and curing. The resulting control of liquid penetration is useful for printing, writing and packaging grades.

The selected material is solid C16/C18-based wax supplied before emulsification. It is normally converted into a stabilized aqueous dispersion for distribution and retention in the paper furnish. Wax composition, dispersion quality and the papermaking system influence how sizing develops. AKD controls wetting and absorbency; it does not by itself provide the fiber-bond reinforcement associated with a wet-strength resin.

Typical Applications

• AKD sizing-emulsion manufacture: Used as the active wax phase in the production of aqueous sizing dispersions, with emulsifiers, protective colloids and other formulation ingredients added separately.
• Printing and writing paper sizing: Used through a formulated AKD dispersion to control water and ink penetration in suitable neutral or alkaline papermaking systems.
• Paperboard and packaging grades: Used through an appropriate sizing formulation to reduce unwanted aqueous-liquid penetration and manage the absorbency of suitable fiber-based packaging materials.

Specifications

Specifications describe the standard grade. Tolerance, test method and documentation package are confirmed per order.