The term “wax” does not actually describe a class of chemical substances. Rather, it is a collective term for all materials that display typical wax properties. Waxes are used to provide abrasion resistance in printing inks to ensure that the ink remains on the substrate and is not rubbed off. In conventional paint systems and in powder coatings, waxes provide improved scratch resistance, very good matting and good slip properties. Used as a dispersion aid in master batches, waxes permit an even distribution of the pigments.