Amide Waxes

Amide waxes are the most versatile group of products, with applications in diverse branches of industry. Amides are, by definition, any of a class of organic compounds derived from ammonia or an amine by replacement of hydrogen with an acyl group. Amide waxes are obtained when fatty acids react with amines or diamines. Ethylene bis stearamide is by far the most important amide wax. It is a reaction product of stearic acid and ethylenediamine, made under elevated temperature under nitrogen atmosphere—a standard process. Stearamide, or octadecamide, can be used as a sensitizer and slip additive in thermal paper coatings as well as a slip and antiblock additive in polyolefin films. Similar to stearamide or other primary amide waxes, erucamide tends to migrate to the surface when embedded in polymers. Erucamide may be used to improve penetration, flexibility, and slip or seal properties of wax and resin-coated paper and paperboard.