Introduction

Polyethylene wax (PE wax) flakes are a high-performance polymer widely used across industries due to their exceptional lubrication, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. Among its forms, PE wax flakes are especially appreciated for their ease of handling, storage, and seamless incorporation into formulations.

We are a reliable supplier of polyethylene wax flakes, providing products that help manufacturers improve efficiency, reduce costs, and achieve consistent high-quality results. Whether you are producing plastics, coatings, inks, adhesives, or textiles, PE wax flakes play a critical role in optimizing your operations.

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Properties of Polyethylene Wax Flakes

PE wax flakes are produced through polymerization or thermal cracking of polyethylene, resulting in a material with versatile physical and chemical properties:

• High Thermal Stability: Able to withstand extreme temperatures, making it suitable for high-heat processing such as plastic extrusion or molding.

• Superior Lubrication: Minimizes friction in processing equipment, enhancing workflow efficiency in plastics, rubber, and coatings manufacturing.

• Chemical Resistance: Resists acids, alkalis, and solvents, ensuring durability in challenging industrial environments.

• Low Viscosity: Allows easy dispersion in coatings, inks, adhesives, and masterbatches.

• Hydrophobic Nature: Provides water-repellent properties, improving moisture resistance in coatings, textiles, and paper products.

These features make PE wax flakes an essential additive for manufacturers seeking consistent performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

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Types and Grades of Polyethylene Wax

PE wax is available in several grades, each designed to meet specific industrial needs:

1. High-Density Polyethylene Wax (HDPE Wax)

• Production: Derived from HDPE through controlled degradation or direct polymerization.

• Properties: High melting point (110°C–140°C), excellent hardness and rigidity, superior thermal stability.

• Applications:

  • Lubricant for PVC, engineering plastics, and high-temperature extrusion processes.

  • Additive in rigid coatings and masterbatches to improve surface finish.

2. Low-Density Polyethylene Wax (LDPE Wax)

• Production: Produced from LDPE via thermal cracking.

• Properties: Lower melting point (90°C–110°C), flexible, and compatible with elastomers.

• Applications:

  • Dispersing agent in paints and inks for better uniformity and smooth finish.

  • Candle manufacturing for improved texture and burn quality.

  • Additive in hot-melt adhesives to enhance workability and bonding strength.

3. Oxidized Polyethylene Wax

• Production: Treated with oxygen to introduce polar functional groups.

• Properties: Enhanced compatibility with polar materials, improved adhesion and emulsification. Melting point: 100°C–130°C.

• Applications:

  • Polishes, floor coatings, and crayons for enhanced surface finish.

  • Lubricant for PVC pipe production.

  • Waterproofing agent in textile and leather finishing.

4. Micronized Polyethylene Wax

• Production: Finely ground into ultra-fine particles (5–30 microns).

• Properties: High surface area allows better performance at lower dosages.

• Applications:

  • Matte finish in automotive and industrial coatings.

  • Anti-blocking agent in plastic films and packaging materials.

  • Performance enhancer in printing inks for rub resistance and gloss control.

5. Fischer-Tropsch Polyethylene Wax

• Production: Synthesized from natural gas or coal via Fischer-Tropsch process.

• Properties: High purity, narrow molecular weight distribution, melting point 100°C–120°C.

• Applications:

  • Cosmetics, including lipsticks, creams, and balms.

  • Food-grade packaging coatings.

  • Precision mold release agents in industrial production.

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How to Choose the Right Polyethylene Wax Grade

Selecting the appropriate grade depends on your process and application requirements:

• Process Temperature: HDPE wax is ideal for high-temperature processes (>120°C).

• Polarity Needs: Oxidized PE wax is suitable for adhesives, coatings, or formulations requiring polar compatibility.

• Particle Size: Micronized wax is perfect for fine coatings, inks, and films.

• Regulatory Compliance: Fischer-Tropsch wax is safe for food-contact and cosmetic-grade applications.

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Applications of Polyethylene Wax Flakes

Polyethylene wax flakes are extremely versatile, and their properties make them indispensable in many industrial processes. Below is a detailed look at their key applications:

Plastic and Rubber Processing

In plastics, PE wax flakes act as internal and external lubricants, improving melt flow, preventing sticking to machinery, and enhancing extrusion efficiency. In rubber manufacturing, they aid in filler dispersion and reduce tackiness, improving the final product’s flexibility and surface smoothness. By reducing wear on equipment, PE wax flakes also help manufacturers cut maintenance costs and downtime.

Coatings and Paints

PE wax flakes are used extensively to improve surface properties. They enhance scratch resistance, gloss, anti-blocking performance, and water repellency. Their low viscosity ensures smooth and uniform dispersion in formulations, which is especially beneficial for automotive, industrial, and floor coatings. Using PE wax flakes in paints and coatings also prolongs product life and contributes to a more durable finish.

Printing Inks

In printing applications, PE wax flakes enhance rub resistance, pigment dispersion, and gloss control. Their low melting point allows for smooth incorporation into ink formulations, ensuring high-quality prints with consistent performance. They are particularly valuable in flexible packaging, labels, and specialty printing inks where durability and finish quality are critical.

Adhesives and Sealants

PE wax flakes improve viscosity control, adhesion, and water resistance in adhesives and sealants. They are widely used in packaging, woodworking, automotive assembly, and other applications requiring strong and durable bonding. By stabilizing formulations, PE wax flakes help achieve consistent performance across production batches.

Textile and Leather Treatments

PE wax flakes provide softness, water repellency, and abrasion resistance to textiles and leather. They enhance the durability and feel of fabrics, improve coating uniformity, and contribute to a high-quality finish in leather goods. For industrial textile finishing, PE wax flakes ensure a balance between performance and aesthetic appeal.

Other Industrial Applications

• Candles: Improve texture, burn quality, and opacity.

• Polishes and Floor Coatings: Provide smooth application and protective finish.

• Food Packaging: Fischer-Tropsch PE wax offers a safe, high-performance coating for food-contact materials.

• Cosmetics: Enhance texture, stability, and gloss in personal care products.

By integrating PE wax flakes into formulations, manufacturers can optimize performance, reduce waste, and lower production costs across multiple industries.

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Benefits of Using Polyethylene Wax Flakes

• Enhanced Manufacturing Efficiency: Reduces friction, minimizes equipment wear, and speeds up production.

• Superior Product Performance: Increases thermal stability, scratch resistance, and surface smoothness in finished products.

• Cost-Effective: High performance at low usage rates reduces raw material costs and improves production yield.

• Sustainability: Eco-friendly formulations and biodegradable grades support green manufacturing initiatives.

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How to Choose the Right Polyethylene Wax Grade

Selecting the appropriate grade depends on your process and application requirements:

• Process Temperature: HDPE wax is ideal for high-temperature processes (>120°C).

• Polarity Needs: Oxidized PE wax is suitable for adhesives, coatings, or formulations requiring polar compatibility.

• Particle Size: Micronized wax is perfect for fine coatings, inks, and films.

• Regulatory Compliance: Fischer-Tropsch wax is safe for food-contact and cosmetic-grade applications.

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Handling, Storage, and Transportation

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or high humidity.

• Avoid exposure to open flames or sparks; handle with standard personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent dust inhalation.

• Transport in sealed containers or bags to maintain product quality.

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Packing Details

• Available in 25–50 kg bags, barrels, or bulk packaging.

• A standard 20-foot container can hold 80 barrels of 175 kg each, with 14 tons net weight and approximately 15.5 tons gross weight.

• Custom packing options are available to meet specific industrial requirements.

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Polyethylene Wax Specification