Ernst J. Krendlinger Books

Waxes, among the oldest organic substances used by humans, have a rich history, with beeswax being the most notable. Over time, various wax species have been identified and utilized for diverse applications. Today, a wide variety of waxes exist, yet there is no universally accepted definition. For the few wax chemists, these substances are often characterized by their physico-chemical properties rather than their chemical composition. Waxes are complex, consisting of oligomeric and polymeric substances that cannot be simply defined by a chemical formula. The category of waxes includes natural, refined, and synthetic products, along with “wax-like” substances that may not meet all definition criteria. They are available in forms such as pellets, granules, powders, or micropowders and have thousands of technical applications. Generally, waxes serve as adjuvants or additives, with candles being one of the few exceptions recognized by the public. Despite their significance, comprehensive publications on their chemistry, composition, properties, applications, and history are scarce. Drawing from personal experience, the authors aim to provide an overview of the main classes of waxes, their origins, and their future. Additionally, they address economic factors like market size, ecological impacts, and regulatory challenges. Waxes play a crucial role in everyday life and industry, often unnoticed, and merit greater recognition in t