A process for producing a storage-stable, fine-particle wax dispersion by heating a mixture containing (A) 10% to 80% by weight of a wax, (B) 0.5% to 30% by weight of a hydrophilic nonionic dispersant having an HLB value of 8 to 18, and (C) 1% to 30% by weight of a hydrophobic co-dispersant selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohols containing 12 to 22 carbon atoms and partial esters of polyols containing 3 to 6 carbon atoms with fatty acids containing 12 to 22 carbon atoms, with the proviso that the weight ratio of component (B) to component (C) is in the range from 0.5:1 to 20:1, in the presence of 15% to 85% by weight of water to a temperature above the melting point of the mixture of components (A) to (C) to form a dispersion, heating the dispersion to its phase inversion temperature, and then cooling the dispersion to a temperature below its phase inversion temperature.

Wax-based composition for protecting and polishing paint, plastic and metal surfaces, or as a mold release, to remain free of clinging dust, comprising a first hydrocarbon wax having a relatively higher HLB value, a second hydrocarbon wax having a relatively lower HLB value, the first and second waxes being combined into a wax blend having an intermediate HLB value based on the proportions of each wax, a solvent for the blend, the solvent having a given HLB value, the HLB value of the wax-solvent mixture being predetermined by the wax blend HLB value and the concentration and HLB value of the solvent, and a small but effective amount of a quaternary compound having an anti-static persistence at the predetermined HLB value to maintain the surfaces protected, polished and free of clinging dust.

Stable, compatible, resin fortified aqueous vinyl polymer emulsions that are rich in wax are prepared in a method comprising a first polymerization of a mixture containing wax and monomers that include carboxylated monomers such as acrylic acid. The first polymerization or terpolymerization is carried out under conditions sufficient to produce a relatively low molecular weight resin. A portion of the wax rich resin from the first polymerization is neutralized and used as a cosurfactant in a second aqueous emulsion polymerization of vinyl monomers to produce a fortified vinyl latex that is rich in wax. Coatings prepared from the latex exhibit superior moisture barrier properties and are also useful as surface preservatives.

Aqueous wax dispersions (G) comprising (A) a wax mixture of (A.sub.1) at least one non-oxidized paraffin wax with needle penetration (according to ASTM-D 1321).ltoreq.20 dmm and melting range above 65.degree. C. and (A.sub.2) at least one oxidized hydrocarbon wax with needle penetration (according to ASTM-D 1321).ltoreq.4 dmm and optionally (A.sub.3) at least one non-oxidized paraffin wax with needle penetration (according to ASTM-D 1321).ltoreq.55 dmm and melting range below or up to 65.degree. C. and/or (A.sub.4) at least one cationically modified oxidized hydrocarbon wax and (B) a cationic dispersant system and optionally (C) at least one softening and/or antistatic adjuvant and/or (D) a preserving agent or/and a defoamer. and/or (E) at least one amphoteric surfactant, are eminently suitable as finishing agents, in particular for yarns, in order to provide good slippage properties to the yarns finished therewith.

A pourable, liquid antisettling composition comprises at least one low molecular weight copolymer of ethylene and an alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid that has been neutralized with a neutralizing agent and water. The composition can be an additive in aqueous coating compositions and provides excellent pigment suspension and rheological properties to aqueous based coating and ink compositions.