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Polyethylene Wax description

Polyethylene wax is a type of synthetic wax derived from ethylene, a petrochemical feedstock. It is produced through the polymerization of ethylene molecules. Polyethylene wax is characterized by its high melting point, low viscosity, and excellent hardness. It is available in various forms such as pastilles, flakes, powders, and granules. This wax has a wide range of applications across industries including:

  1. Plastics Processing: Used as a processing aid and lubricant in the production of plastic products such as PVC pipes, films, and profiles. It improves processing efficiency and surface quality.
  2. Coatings and Inks: Polyethylene wax is added to coatings and printing inks to enhance scratch resistance, gloss, and water repellency.
  3. Adhesives: It serves as a tackifier and rheology modifier in hot melt adhesives, improving adhesion and viscosity control.
  4. Rubber Compounding: Polyethylene wax is used as a processing aid and mold release agent in rubber compounding, facilitating the mixing of rubber compounds and preventing sticking to molds and equipment.
  5. Paper and Packaging: It is added to paper coatings and packaging materials to improve water resistance, reduce friction, and enhance printability.
  6. Personal Care Products: Polyethylene wax is utilized in cosmetics and personal care products such as creams, lotions, and lipsticks as a thickening agent and to provide texture and emollient properties.
  7. Textiles: It is used in textile finishing processes to improve fabric softness, lubricity, and resistance to abrasion.
  8. Candles: Polyethylene wax is sometimes blended with other waxes to improve burning characteristics and reduce cost in candle manufacturing.

characteristics of PE wax:

Polyethylene wax (PE wax) is a versatile synthetic wax derived from ethylene polymerization. Some of its characteristics include:

  • Chemical Stability: PE wax is chemically inert, making it resistant to acids, alkalis, and most solvents.
  • Low Melting Point: Typically, PE wax has a low melting point, which allows for easy processing and application in various industries.
  • Excellent Lubrication Properties: It exhibits excellent lubricating properties, reducing friction and wear in many applications, such as plastics processing, rubber compounding, and coatings.
  • Water Repellency: PE wax is hydrophobic, repelling water and moisture, which makes it suitable for waterproofing applications.
  • Good Heat Stability: It maintains stability at high temperatures, making it useful in applications where heat resistance is required.
  • Compatibility: PE wax is compatible with a wide range of polymers, additives, and other materials, enhancing its versatility in formulations.
  • Film Forming Ability: It can form thin, uniform films, providing protection and enhancing surface properties in coatings and adhesives.
  • Electric Insulation: PE wax exhibits good electrical insulation properties, making it suitable for use in electrical cables and other electronic applications.

Polyethylene Wax

Polyethylene wax uses

Polyethylene wax (PE wax) finds numerous uses across various industries due to its versatile properties. Some common applications include:

  • Plastics Processing: PE wax is used as a lubricant and release agent in the processing of thermoplastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC. It helps improve flow properties, mold release, and surface finish.
  • Rubber Compounding: In the rubber industry, PE wax serves as a processing aid, providing lubrication during mixing and extrusion processes. It also enhances the properties of rubber compounds, such as tear resistance and surface finish.
  • Coatings and Inks: PE wax is utilized in formulations for coatings, paints, and inks to improve scratch resistance, mar resistance, gloss, and water repellency. It helps in achieving uniform film formation and enhances the overall durability of coatings.
  • Adhesives: In adhesive formulations, PE wax acts as a processing aid, reducing viscosity and improving tackiness. It also enhances the bond strength and provides moisture resistance in hot melt adhesives.
  • Masterbatches and Colorants: PE wax is incorporated into masterbatches and colorants to improve dispersion of pigments and additives, as well as to enhance the surface appearance and processing characteristics of the final product.
  • Candles and Wax Blends: Due to its low melting point and excellent burn properties, PE wax is used in candle manufacturing as a component in wax blends. It helps in controlling burn rate, reducing dripping, and improving scent throw.
  • Personal Care Products: PE wax is utilized in various personal care products, such as cosmetics, skincare, and hair care formulations, as an emollient, thickener, and binder. It imparts smoothness, texture, and consistency to these products.
  • Paper and Packaging: PE wax is added to paper and cardboard coatings to enhance water resistance, grease resistance, and surface smoothness. It also helps in improving the runnability of paper through printing and converting equipment.
  • Textiles: PE wax can be applied as a finishing agent on textiles to impart water repellency, wrinkle resistance, and anti-static properties. It helps in enhancing the fabric’s durability and overall performance.

Technical specifications of polyethylene wax

Polyethylene wax (PE wax) is a low molecular weight polyethylene polymer that is used in a variety of industrial applications due to its unique properties. Here are some technical specifications and properties of polyethylene wax:

Chemical Composition:

–  Chemical Formula: (C2H4)n
–  CAS Number: 9002-88-4

  •  Physical Properties:
    –  Appearance: White, odorless, waxy solid
    –  Molecular Weight: Typically ranges from 1,000 to 5,000 g/mol
    –  Melting Point: 85°C to 120°C (185°F to 248°F)
    –  Density: Approximately 0.92 to 0.96 g/cm³
    –  Viscosity: Low viscosity, typically around 10 to 500 mPa.s at 140°C
    –  Penetration Hardness: Typically between 0.1 to 2.0 dmm (decimillimeters)
  • Thermal Properties:
    –  Thermal Stability: Good thermal stability up to its melting point
    –  Flash Point: Typically around 300°C (572°F)
  • Mechanical Properties:
    –  Tensile Strength: Relatively low due to its waxy nature
    –  Elongation at Break: Low, indicating brittle behavior at room temperature
  • Solubility:
    –  Solubility in Water: Insoluble
    –  Solubility in Organic Solvents: Soluble in aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and certain esters and ketones
  •  Applications:

    Lubricants: Used as a lubricant and release agent in plastics processing
    Coatings and Inks: Provides gloss, scratch resistance, and anti-blocking properties
    Adhesives: Enhances performance by improving heat resistance and adhesion
    Rubber Industry: Acts as a dispersing agent and processing aid
    Polishes: Enhances the shine and durability of wax formulations
    Textiles: Used in textile finishing to improve feel and processing

  • Types:
    Oxidized Polyethylene Wax: Modified to improve compatibility with polar materials
    Low-Density Polyethylene Wax:  Softer and more flexible
    High-Density Polyethylene Wax: Harder and more crystalline
  • Handling and Safety:

     Storage: Should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources
    Handling Precautions:  Use personal protective equipment to avoid inhalation of dust and contact with skin and eyes

Polyethylene wax is versatile and widely used in various industries due to its favorable properties such as low viscosity, good thermal stability, and ability to enhance the performance of end products.

Technical Data Sheet Polyethylene Wax

Grades Typical Property  Value  Unit  Test metod
Flake1937 Appearance White Flake Visual
Melting point 105 +- 5 ˚C ASTM D3418
Volotile max 2 (%)
Viscosity 80-150 Cps @140 ˚C ASTM D1986
Density 0.92 +-1 gr/cm3  25˚ ASTM D1505
Acid value 0 mg KOH/gr ASTM D1986
Ashcontent 0.3 (%) ASTM D5630

 

Polyethylene Wax

Technical Data Sheet Polyethylene Wax