Who knew polyethylene wax (PE wax) had so many types and specs?

Polyethylene wax (PE wax), also known as polymer wax, is widely used due to its excellent cold resistance, heat resistance, chemical resistance, and wear resistance. In normal production, this type of wax can be directly added to polyolefin processing as an additive, which enhances the gloss and processing performance of the product.

As a lubricant, PE wax has stable chemical properties and good electrical properties. It also shows good compatibility with polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene propylene rubber, and butyl rubber. PE wax improves the fluidity of polyethylene, polypropylene, and ABS, as well as the demolding of polymethyl methacrylate and polycarbonate. Compared to PVC and other external lubricants, polyethylene wax provides a stronger internal lubrication effect.

Quality Indicators

Appearance: White, powder/flake/block

Density: 0.93–0.98

Item	Specification	Impact
Molecular Weight	1500-5000	Generally, the higher the molecular weight, the higher the melting point, and vice versa.
Softening Point	90-120°C Varies with molecular weight	If the softening point is too low, the wax tends to vaporize and evaporate during high-temperature processing.
Hardness	MAX 3-8	Affects the final product’s hardness.
Viscosity	10-600 (CPS 140°C)	Higher viscosity leads to poorer dispersion but better glossiness; lower viscosity improves dispersion with moderate gloss. However, excessively low viscosity may cause wax migration, negatively affecting filler dispersion. Conversely, excessively high viscosity reduces extrusion speed and impacts production efficiency.
Penetration	1-4	Higher penetration indicates softer grease (lower consistency), while lower penetration indicates harder grease (higher consistency).

Uses and Industries

1. Concentrated Masterbatch and Filler Masterbatch: Used as a dispersant in masterbatch processing and widely used in polyolefin masterbatch. It has good compatibility with resins such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene, and provides excellent external and internal lubrication.

2. PVC Profiles, Pipes, and Composite Stabilizers: It is used as a dispersant, lubricant, and brightener in the molding process of PVC profiles, pipes, pipe fittings, and PE/PP. This enhances the degree of plasticization and improves the toughness and surface smoothness of plastic products. It is also widely used in the production of PVC composite stabilizers.

3. Ink: With good light resistance and chemical properties, it can be used as a carrier for pigments, improving the wear resistance of paints and inks. It also enhances the dispersibility of pigments and fillers, provides a good anti-settling effect, and can be used as a flatting agent for paints and inks, giving the products good gloss and a three-dimensional effect.

4. Wax Products: Widely used in the production of various wax products such as floor wax, car wax, polishing wax, candles, and crayons. It improves the softening point of wax products, increases their strength, and enhances their surface gloss.

5. Cable Materials: Used as a lubricant for cable insulation materials. It enhances the diffusion of fillers, increases the extrusion molding rate, improves mold flow, and facilitates demolding.

6. Hot Melt Products: Used in various hot melt adhesives, thermosetting powder coatings, road marking paints, and line marking paints as dispersants. It provides good anti-settling effects and enhances the products’ gloss and three-dimensional effect.

7. Rubber: As a rubber processing aid, it enhances the diffusion of fillers, increases the extrusion molding rate, improves mold flow, facilitates demolding, and enhances the surface brightness and smoothness of the product after demolding.

8. Cosmetics: Provides good gloss and a three-dimensional effect to cosmetic products.

9. Injection Molding: Saves machine power lubrication and enhances the surface gloss of the product.

Epic Powder

Epic Powder Machinery is a trusted leader in jet mill and powder processing equipment. With decades of experience, we provide high-quality solutions for various industries. Our expertise extends to polyethylene wax (PE wax), which plays a key role in enhancing product performance across masterbatches, PVC, inks, and more. We are committed to innovation and excellence in every solution we offer.