What is pe wax?

Polyethylene Wax or PE Wax is a synthetic wax that comes as a product from the polymerization of ethylene or as a byproduct of polyethylene production. It comes in forms like flakes, powder, or granules and is available in high-density variants, such as HDPE and LDPE. These forms provide flexibility in their usage across diverse industrial needs.

History of pe wax

physical and chemical Properties

Physical Properties:

• Hardness and Toughness:   Polyethylene wax is relatively hard; the hardness ranges between 2 to 4 on the Mohs scale. Because of this property, wax will become an excellent lubricant that does not wear easily. It will also provide structural integrity for applications that require the wax to hold its shape.
• Low-Temperature Performance: Contrary to some natural waxes, polyethylene wax features very good performance at low temperatures: its main properties do not decrease noticeably under cold conditions, therefore allowing its application for low-temperature functionality.
• Low Viscosity:   Polyethylene wax has a very low viscosity, which means ready flow when heated. This property is very important for applications such as coatings and inks, and also as a processing aid in the manufacture of plastics and rubber.
• Water and Chemical Resistance:   Polyethylene wax has a very high resistance to water and a host of other chemicals. The resistance ensures that the wax remains effective and does not deteriorate when in contact with moisture or harsh chemicals.

Chemical Properties:

• High Melting Point: polyethylene wax boasts a high melting point, typically ranging from 100°C to 140°C (212°F to 284°F). This allows it to withstand high processing temperatures without undergoing significant degradation.
• Thermal Stability: polyethylene wax exhibits excellent thermal stability. This means it can maintain its chemical structure and properties even at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for applications exposed to heat.
• Low Water Solubility: PE wax is insoluble in water, making it an effective moisture barrier in coatings and other applications where water resistance is critical.
• Compatibility: In general, polyethylene wax is compatible with all other types of waxes, resins, and polymers. Due to this reason, modifications or customization of formulation to reach a specific property in various applications can be done by simple blending.

Application and uses of PE wax

PE wax, with its unique characteristics of low molecular weight and hardness and excellent lubrication and chemical resistance properties, is an industrially and commercially versatile material. Some of the major uses are as follows:

Plastics and Polymers

• PE wax finds wide application in plastic extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding as a lubricant and processing aid since it enhances the flow of polymers, reduces friction during processing, gives improvement in surface finish, and prevents sticking of polymers to molds, hence improving production efficiency as a whole.

Coatings and Paints

• In the coatings industry, polyethylene wax is added to paints to improve durability and abrasion resistance, improving the surface finish. It generally heightens the gloss, prevents cratering, and increases adhesion. These usually find applications in automotive finishes, industrial coatings, and decorative coatings of wood and furniture. Viscosity control and a smooth application are also facilitated by it.

Hot Melt Adhesives

• PE wax is the main raw material of hot melt adhesives, used in the packaging, bookbinding, and woodwork sectors, including the automotive industry. It enhances the performance of adhesives through the control of the melting point, thereby improving the adhesion and bonding strengths of adhesives. It improves the open time and reduces the tackiness of the adhesive.

Rubber Processing

• The PE wax used in the rubber industry works as a lubricant, which is also capable of acting as a processing aid. This improves mold release properties, reduces friction in processing, and minimizes wear and tear on the machinery. It’s also possible that PE wax may improve some of the physical properties of rubber products in terms of flexibility and resilience.

Paper and Printing

• It usually finds application in paper coating and printing ink, mainly intending to improve surface smoothness, increase its gloss, and reduce ink absorption. Besides uses in improving printability, barrier properties to moisture, and durability of the papers, PE wax is also applied in the packaging of foodstuffs.

Cosmetics and Personal Care

• In the cosmetic industry, the major applications in which PE wax finds its place include lipstick, deodorant, and lotions. Because of its texturing and stabilizing properties, it imparts excellent smooth application and pleasant skin feel to personal care products.

Food Packaging

• The PE wax is used in the packaging films and containers of food items that may require resistance to moisture or grease. It helps give a smooth and flexible surface that facilitates the various operations of sealing and packaging. Because it is used for packaging food, the product remains protected from external contaminants as well.

Textile and Leather

• The use of PE wax in textiles and leather is to provide a better feel and resistance to water, along with durability for fabrics and leather articles. It enhances smoothness, and luster in textiles, while in leather it gives softness and flexibility along with a quality finish.

packing of pe wax

Properly packing the product, Polyethylene Wax, or PE Wax, ensures the quality of the product for easy handling and transportation. The packing is designed as per industrial requirements and customer needs. Normally, PE Wax is provided in powder, flakes, or granular forms, and its packing solutions are designed to maintain product integrity during storage and transit.

Common Packing Options

1. 25 kg Bags:
   • The most commonly used packaging for PE Wax.
   • Made from high-quality polypropylene or multi-layered paper for durability and moisture resistance.
   • Ideal for easy handling and stacking.
2. 500 kg – 1,000 kg Jumbo Bags (Big Bags):
   • Preferred for bulk orders.
   • Constructed from robust woven polypropylene with inner liners for added protection.
   • Equipped with lifting loops for safe loading and unloading.