Manalox 630™

Manalox 630™

Thickening System for Oil Systems

Manalox 630™ is a highly active proprietary aluminum trialkoxide capable of thickening and gelling many types of aromatic, and non-aromatic petroleum distillates oils including white oils, kerosene, diesel fuel, fuel oils, and naphthenic oils. Manalox 630 comes supplied as an 85% aluminum alkoxide in technical white oil solvent and offers the following benefits.

  • Liquid – ease of handling

  • Highly reactive – provides rapid thickening

  • Excellent solubility - soluble in a variety of aliphatic, aromatic, and naphthenic hydrocarbons

  • Consistency – the overall aluminum content is tightly controlled resulting in a more consistent product

Manalox 630 Typical Properties

Aluminum ContentAppearanceViscosityTypical Flash Point
10.1 %Clear yellow liquid200 Cps77 ˚F (25 ˚C)

Use Information

Manalox 630 can be used to thicken and/or gel inert oils and solvents.  The degree of thickening is controlled by the amount of Manalox 630 added. The rate at which the oil thickens is temperature dependent. The level of Manalox 630 required varies depending on the type of oil used and the gel structure desired, but generally falls between 2.0% and 5.0% by volume relative to oil. Thickening is accomplished by reacting Manalox 630 with suitable fatty acids and a small amount of moisture, forming aluminum soaps in-situ in the solvent. The type of gel structure obtained depends on the choice of fatty acid used and can range from stringy to buttery.

Example Formulations

Example 1

Parts by weight
Petroleum Oil91 parts by weight
Manalox 6303.0
Ricinoleic Acid6.0

Dissolve the Manalox 630 in the petroleum oil followed by the ricinoleic acid. Mix well then let stand to develop gel. Ratios of reactants may be changed to modify end results.

Example 2

Parts by weight
Petroleum oil91
Manalox 6304.0
2-ethylheanoic acid4.5
Water0.5

Dissolve the Manalox 630 in the petroleum oil followed by the 2-ethylhexanoic acid. Mix well and leave for one hour. Add water and mix thoroughly. Let stand to develop gel.

Handling and Storage of Manalox 630

Manalox 630 will react rapidly and irreversibly with atmospheric moisture to form partial hydrolysis products with consequent loss in expected chemical reactivity. Drum quantities should be stored in dry surroundings, away from the possibility of water collecting on the lids. Laboratory quantities should be kept tightly sealed to maintain reactivity. Partial hydrolysis is evidenced by a skin quickly forming on exposure to moisture in the air. This further develops into a dry crust which may sink to the bottom of the container. If possible, this material should be separated and not used. Only the clear material can be relied upon to provide all the expected reactivity. Hydrolysis of the Manalox 630 generates isopropanol. Use suitable safeguards. Personnel should use gloves and eye protection and be provided with adequately ventilated surrounding.