Best Goo Formula?

[ddblues]

I'm a newbie and trying to find the best goo formula. I've tried 70% paraffin wax and 30% perc in salt water and get good lava flow.  After a couple hours white wax flaking starts and gets worse over time and accumulates at the top of bottle. The wax separation is very prevalent on top of cooled down goo.  I'm wondering  if my preparation of wax/perc is at fault? Maybe mixing too long/short, too high of temperature, too low temperature, etc...…….. 

I've read several patents and one sheds some light on this wax separation problem. Their formula adds a polymer binder (polyboost) to perc/paraffin mix to prevent separation. I've ordered a polyboost that melts at 130 degrees F.  You can also buy a 160 degree F. polyboost. Will try this soon...……….

Another patent uses no perc but a mixture of paraffin and chlorinated paraffin to achieve the right density of goo. I've found a couple of places to purchase it. Perc is a chlorine/solvent so I would think by mixing it with paraffin the end result is Chlorinated Paraffin????

I haven't read all your discussions on goo formulas so I apologize if this is an old topic that's been resolved! Just needing some advice from all you seasoned Gooers!

Thanks...……...

 

[BamaMatt]

What's your source of micro crystalline wax? How expensive is it?

Sentrex said:

I have been using paraffin + microrystallized  parafin (70%) to 30% Perc with good success but could never get it quite like the original. The micro crysal wax did add quite a bit of stretch to it and was part of the original formula patent if I recall.

Salt is not a great way to go IMO. I like PG and DI H20. Glycerin has caused me some problems so I avoid that.

What are you using for Surfactant? You didn't mention any soaps?

I am going to look at  polyboost right now... I am intrigued.

See info below, this could be "The Stuff"!!

The POLYBOOST^™ line of wax modifying polymers is based on the polymerization of Normal Alpha Olefin (NAO’s). These unique, highly branched materials are effective crystal modifiers for most hydrocarbon waxes and non-polar resins. POLYBOOST^™ can be used as an alternate additive to Stearic Acid or Microcrystalline Wax. In fact, POLYBOOST^™ has been described as a “hyper-micro wax” due to its extremely branched molecular structure.

The following benefits can be achieved by adding relatively small additions – less than 3% by weight.

• Increased opacity
• Gloss
• Dimensional stability
• Heat resistance
• Increased oil binding characteristics
• Improved dispersion of colorants

[Dan Curb]

You have good luck with strictly PG? I tried that and just as motion was achieved it clouded badly. I filtered it and it was crystal clear, but low on volume so had the topping off and rebalancing issue again. Thanks!

Sentrex said:

I have been using paraffin + microrystallized  parafin (70%) to 30% Perc with good success but could never get it quite like the original. The micro crysal wax did add quite a bit of stretch to it and was part of the original formula patent if I recall.

Salt is not a great way to go IMO. I like PG and DI H20.

[James K.]

BamaMatt: I've been able to get 1kg of microcrystaline wax for free from various chemical supply companies. Just have a non gmail email address and pretend to be someone working for a company researching a new product that might need that kind of wax. Very often they will send you some free.

[Claude J]

For your reading pleasure

FYI-Chlorinated paraffin is simply the substitute for using PERC

ChemistryJugglingActp47.pdf

[Claude J]

you cannot use just PG, it has to be mixed with water to achieve the proper specific gravity

Dan Curb said:

You have good luck with strictly PG? I tried that and just as motion was achieved it clouded badly. I filtered it and it was crystal clear, but low on volume so had the topping off and rebalancing issue again. Thanks!

Sentrex said:

I have been using paraffin + microrystallized  parafin (70%) to 30% Perc with good success but could never get it quite like the original. The micro crysal wax did add quite a bit of stretch to it and was part of the original formula patent if I recall.

Salt is not a great way to go IMO. I like PG and DI H20.

[Julian Caldwell]

Hi sorry I'm new. What's PG ?

Claude J said:

you cannot use just PG, it has to be mixed with water to achieve the proper specific gravity

Dan Curb said:

You have good luck with strictly PG? I tried that and just as motion was achieved it clouded badly. I filtered it and it was crystal clear, but low on volume so had the topping off and rebalancing issue again. Thanks!

Sentrex said:

I have been using paraffin + microrystallized  parafin (70%) to 30% Perc with good success but could never get it quite like the original. The micro crysal wax did add quite a bit of stretch to it and was part of the original formula patent if I recall.

Salt is not a great way to go IMO. I like PG and DI H20.

[Claude J]

Propylene glycol

Available from most farm and veterinarian supply houses for $25 a gallon

[Keith]

PG is propylene glycol

Julian Caldwell said:

Hi sorry I'm new. What's PG ?

Claude J said:

you cannot use just PG, it has to be mixed with water to achieve the proper specific gravity

Dan Curb said:

You have good luck with strictly PG? I tried that and just as motion was achieved it clouded badly. I filtered it and it was crystal clear, but low on volume so had the topping off and rebalancing issue again. Thanks!

Sentrex said:

I have been using paraffin + microrystallized  parafin (70%) to 30% Perc with good success but could never get it quite like the original. The micro crysal wax did add quite a bit of stretch to it and was part of the original formula patent if I recall.

Salt is not a great way to go IMO. I like PG and DI H20.

[Julian Caldwell]

Much appreciated !