Novel Surfaces with Applicability for Preventing Wax Deposition: A Review

Paraffin wax deposition is a ubiquitous phenomenon in the petroleum production industry. Many types of internal pipe coating materials have previously been tested for preventing wax deposition, but none have demonstrated successful performance. It has become increasingly evident that an improved knowledge of the chemistry and physics of wax deposition will be required in order to develop new wax-repellent materials. In particular, it is important to understand the mechanisms used to inhibit similar deposition problems in outside industries. In order to achieve these objectives, a state-of-the-art literature survey was performed to identify the role and function of nonstick and anti-adhesive surfaces in the food, paint, marine, automotive, biomedical, tribological, optical, and petroleum industries. Information was derived from academic, industrial, and intellectual property sources. This review presents a comprehensive compilation of materials and surface modification techniques that show potential for inhibiting or eliminating paraffin wax deposition. A wide variety of metal surface treatments and synthesized polymers are discussed. It is established that nanotechnology surfaces based on fabricated microstructures are inapplicable for use in preventing solid-liquid deposition. On the other hand, self-assembled polymers and nanocomposite materials exhibiting smooth surfaces and low surface free energies may provide appropriate surface technologies for prevention of wax deposition. Based on current adhesion theory postulations, as well as analogies to similar deposition processes, promising new material classes include fluoro-siloxanes, fluoro-urethanes, oxazolane-based polymers, and DLC-polymer hybrids.