Baker Hughes - Baker Petrolite

Baker Hughes has consolidated operations of the BARECO™ Products joint venture into our Polymers Division. Direct supply of microcrystalline wax and wax blends using micro wax (formulated products) started January 1, 2004.

Coupling these products with globally recognized POLYWAX™ Polyethylene and VYBAR™ Polyolefin lines further establishes Baker Hughes as the preeminent supplier of hydrocarbon and polyethylene waxes. The Baker Hughes team has long experience in the wax additive business, starting with the invention of microcrystalline wax in the 1930s by our original company, Barnsdall Refining Company. Today with the BARECO addition, Baker Petrolite Polymers has winning solutions for customers in the Adhesives, Candles, Chewing Gums, Coatings, Inks, Personal Care and Plastics marketplaces.

Worldwide representation of these lines will enhance customer's total supply experience and will provide a range of technology available from no other company. Baker Petrolite Polymers is committed to the BARECO Wax line. At a time when the world wax supply appears increasingly uncertain, Baker Hughes is actually expanding its supply and service capabilities. You can rely on the BARECO history too - Baker Petrolite Polymers has been one of the world's leading sources of commercial waxes for over half a century.

BARECO™ Microcrystalline Waxes

All petroleum waxes consist of complex mixtures of normal paraffinic, isoparaffinic, and naphthenic hydrocarbons. The physical differences between various types of petroleum wax are due to the relative extent of the three types of hydrocarbons present and the molecular weight of these hydrocarbons.

BARECO microcrystalline waxes contain higher amounts of isoparaffinic hydrocarbons and naphthenic hydrocarbons than do paraffin waxes. The elastic and adhesive characteristics of microcrystalline waxes are related to the non-straight chain components which they contain. Typical microcrystalline wax crystal structure is small and thin, making them more flexible than paraffin wax. Variations in crystallinity, amorphous material and molecular weight are responsible for the wide range of properties found in BARECO microcrystalline waxes.

BARECO High Melt Microcrystalline Waxes

Hardness and high melting point are outstanding features of this class of chemically inert and uniform waxes. Baker Petrolite Polymers offers a variety of unique products with characteristics to fit many use needs. Many meet the quality requirements established by the FDA for food grade waxes.

Range of Properties

Melting Point 180-200° F

Hardness < 10 dmm @ 77°F

Color Amber to Water White

% Normal Paraffins 60-90

Forms Bulk liquid, slabs

BARECO Flexible MicrocrystallineWaxes

Adhesiveness and lower melting points characterize this group of waxes.

Excellent sealing strength, low temperature performance, and excellent moisture barrier properties result in the use of BARECO Waxes in laminations and coatings on paper, film and foil. Many meet the quality requirements established by the FDA for food grade waxes.

Range of Properties

Melting Point 150-180° F

Hardness > 10 dmm @ 77° F

Color Dark Brown to off White

% Normal Paraffins 30-60

Forms Bulk liquid, slabs