Polyethylene Wax, PE Wax, Mikronized PE Wax, Oxidized PE Wax, HDPE Wax, LDPE Wax, 9002-88-4

Polyethylene Wax, PE Wax, Mikronized PE Wax, Oxidized PE Wax, HDPE Wax, LDPE Wax, 9002-88-4

POLYETHYLENE WAX (PE Wax)

CAS No: 9002-88-4 | Chemical Name: Polyethylene Wax (low molecular weight polyethylene)
Molecular Weight: 1,000 – 5,000 g/mol | Polymer Class: Polyolefin

1. Physical & Chemical Properties

Key Chemical Features:

• Saturated hydrocarbon backbone – excellent chemical resistance

• Low molecular weight (1,000-5,000) vs. standard PE (100,000-1,000,000)

• Non-polar – natural form is hydrophobic

• Oxidized grades contain polar groups (–COOH, –OH) for emulsification

• High crystallinity (HDPE wax) or lower crystallinity (LDPE wax)

2. Grades & Variants

3. Comparison with Alternative Waxes

Advantages of PE Wax over Alternatives:

• vs. Paraffin Wax: Higher melting point, better thermal stability, compatible with polyolefins

• vs. Carnauba Wax: Consistent quality, lower cost, better polymer compatibility

• vs. Fischer-Tropsch Wax: Softer, more flexible, better dispersion in polar systems (oxidized grade)

• vs. Montan Wax: Colorless (no darkening), odorless, FDA compliant

4. Detailed Applications by Industry

A. Plastics & Polymer Processing (Internal/External Lubricant)

B. Masterbatch & Color Concentrates

Role of PE Wax: Reduces melt viscosity, improves pigment dispersion, prevents agglomeration, increases color strength by 15-30%.

C. Powder Coatings (Anti-Blocking / Slip / Texture)

Effect of PE Wax:

• Reduces coefficient of friction (COF) from 0.8 to 0.3-0.5

• Improves scratch and mar resistance

• Adds matting effect (dosage-dependent)

• Prevents blocking (stacked parts sticking)

D. Printing Inks (Solvent-Based & UV)

Benefits: Improves rub resistance (Sutherland rub test: >500 cycles), reduces set-off, enhances gloss (especially UV inks).

E. Hot Melt Adhesives (HMA)

Role: PE wax lowers melt viscosity, controls open time (longer for LDPE, shorter for HDPE), and improves heat resistance.

F. Cosmetics & Personal Care (LDPE Wax Only)

Note: Only low density (LDPE) wax with low residual monomers (food/pharma grade) is suitable for cosmetics. HDPE wax is too hard and may cause skin irritation.

G. Textile & Leather Finishes (Oxidized Grade)

Process: Melt oxidized PE wax (100-120°C), add hot water and surfactants under high shear → forms stable emulsion (20-40% solids). Apply via padding or spraying.

Effects on fabric: Improves sewability, adds soft hand feel, increases abrasion resistance.

H. Mold Release Agents (HDPE Wax)

Application: Spray on molds at 60-100°C. Provides multiple releases (5-10 shots per application).

5. Industry Suitability by PE Wax Type

Scale: High = Excellent compatibility; Medium = Acceptable; Low = Limited; Not suitable = Avoid

6. Regulatory & Food Contact Status

Key Food Contact Limitations:

• Direct food contact: Not permitted (unless specially purified grade)

• Indirect food contact: Permitted (packaging, coatings, adhesives)

• Maximum usage: Typically ≤5% in food contact polymers (EU)

• Specific migration limit: None established (PE wax is inert)

7. Processing Guidelines

A. Incorporation Techniques

B. Typical Dosages by Application

C. Compatibility with Polymers

8. Safety & Handling

Hazard Classification (GHS)

Polyethylene wax is generally considered non-hazardous. However, micronized powders may pose dust explosion risks.

Safety Guidelines

Firefighting

Storage Conditions

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between polyethylene wax and standard polyethylene?

A: Standard polyethylene has molecular weight of 100,000 – 1,000,000 g/mol, making it a solid engineering plastic. Polyethylene wax has molecular weight of 1,000 – 5,000 g/mol, which gives it low melt viscosity, wax-like properties (slip, gloss, lubricity), and compatibility as an additive rather than a structural material.

Q2: Can polyethylene wax be dispersed in water?

A: Only oxidized grades (acid value 5-30 mg KOH/g) can be emulsified in water using non-ionic or anionic surfactants. Non-oxidized (neutral) PE wax is hydrophobic and cannot form stable aqueous dispersions.

Emulsion method: Melt oxidized PE wax at 110-120°C, add hot water and surfactants under high shear → stable 20-40% solids emulsion.

Q3: Is polyethylene wax safe for food contact?

A: Indirect food contact (packaging, coatings, adhesives) is permitted under FDA 21 CFR 175.105, 177.1520, and 178.3720. Direct food contact is not permitted unless using specially purified medical/food grade. Always check local regulations (EU 10/2011 has specific migration limits).

Q4: What is the difference between micronized PE wax and standard powder?

A:

Q5: Can PE wax replace PTFE (Teflon) in coatings?

A: Partially. PE wax provides good slip and abrasion resistance (COF 0.3-0.5) but cannot match PTFE's very low coefficient of friction (COF 0.05-0.10). For high slip applications (release coatings, non-stick surfaces), PTFE-modified PE wax (5-15% PTFE) is often used as a lower-cost alternative.

Q6: How does oxidized PE wax differ from non-oxidized PE wax?

A:

Q7: What is the recommended dosage of PE wax in PVC?

A: For rigid PVC (pipe, profile):

• External lubrication: 0.5 – 1.5 phr (prevents sticking to metal)

• Internal lubrication: 0.2 – 0.8 phr (improves flow)

Higher dosages (>2 phr) may cause plate-out (wax depositing on extruder screw/die) and reduced mechanical properties.

Q8: Does PE wax affect the gloss of coatings?

A: Yes, the effect depends on dosage:

• Low dosage (0.2-0.5%): Slightly increases gloss

• Medium dosage (0.5-1.5%): Maintains gloss, adds slip

• High dosage (1.5-5.0%): Reduces gloss (matting effect)

For high-gloss applications, use micronized PE wax with very small particle size (<10 µm).

Q9: Can polyethylene wax be used in cosmetics?

A: Only LDPE wax (low density, low molecular weight, highly purified) is suitable for cosmetics (lipsticks, mascaras, balms). Specifications for cosmetic grade:

• Melting point: 90-105°C

• Residual monomers: <10 ppm

• Heavy metals: <5 ppm

• Microbial count: <100 CFU/g

• FDA or EU cosmetic compliance

HDPE wax is too hard and may cause irritation or poor texture.

Q10: How do LDPE and HDPE waxes differ?

A:

Q11: What is the shelf life of PE wax? Does it degrade?

A: Shelf life is 24-36 months when stored properly (below 40°C, dry, away from UV light/oxidizers). PE wax is chemically inert and does not degrade under normal conditions. However, oxidized PE wax may gradually lose acid value over time (reaction with humidity). Store oxidized grades in sealed containers.

Q12: Is PE wax compatible with bio-based polymers (PLA, PBAT, PBS)?

A: Limited compatibility. PE wax is non-polar, while PLA, PBAT, and PBS are polar polyesters. They are immiscible. Small amounts (0.5-1.0%) may act as external lubricant (reduces friction), but high dosages cause phase separation and poor mechanical properties. For bio-polymers, use bio-based waxes (carnauba, rice bran, or specially modified PE wax with polar groups).

Q13: How can I test the quality of PE wax?

A: Key quality control tests:

Q14: Is PE wax recyclable?

A: Yes, PE wax is fully recyclable as part of polyethylene waste streams. However, due to its low molecular weight, it acts as a processing aid in recycled plastics (improves flow of recycled PE/PP). Do not separate PE wax from polyethylene recyclate unless specifically required.

Q15: What is the difference between PE wax and Fischer-Tropsch (FT) wax?

A:

FT wax is harder and more brittle; PE wax is more flexible. For polyolefin applications, PE wax is preferred. For specialty wax blends (candles, polishes), FT wax may be preferred.

10. Summary Table – Pros & Cons

This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only and does not constitute regulatory or medical advice. Always consult local regulations and perform application-specific testing.