A highly effective additive to improve some performances of plastic products

In the creation of polymeric recipes with high physical-mechanical and aesthetic performance, polyethylene wax has carved out a very respectable space for itself.

If it becomes more instinctive and easy to combine with a virgin polymer, the use of polyethylene wax in recycled polymers requires some additional knowledge.

What is polyethylene wax

Polyethylene wax is a type of element produced by the polymerization of ethylene, a hydrocarbon, in fact it is Often used in a number of industrial applications due to its strength, flexibility and water imperviousness.

It is commonly used in products such as paints, coatings, cosmetics, polymers and car care products. In cosmetics, for example, it can be used as a skin conditioning agent or to give structure and consistency to the product.

It should be remembered that, being a synthetic product, it is not biodegradable and can have an environmental impact if not managed responsibly.

How polyethylene wax is used in recycled polymers

Polyethylene wax is used in recycled polymers mainly as a process agent. This means that it is added during the production phase to improve the properties of the final material.

One of the main problems with recycling polymers is that the process can degrade the properties of the material, making it less useful for future applications. However, adding polyethylene wax can help counteract this problem.

Polyethylene wax can therefore improve the workability of recycled polymers, making them easier to shape. It can also improve the surface properties of the recycled plastic product, such as gloss and abrasion resistance.

Moreover, it can act as a lubricant, reducing friction between polymer particles during processing. This can help prevent problems such as excessive adhesion or agglomeration of polymer masses.

Ultimately, the use of polyethylene wax in recycled polymers can help produce a better quality material that can be used in a wider range of applications .

With which polymers can polyethylene wax be used and what advantages are obtained

Polyethylene wax is versatile and can be used with a variety of polymers, both synthetic and natural.

Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene wax can be used with polyethylene itself to improve the workability, shine and abrasion resistance of products.

Polypropylene (PP)

When used with polypropylene, wax can improve the flow properties of the material, making it easier to process.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

It is often used as an internal and external lubricant in PVC processing. As an internal lubricant, it improves the PVC melting and mixing process, while as an external lubricant, it helps prevent hot PVC from sticking to tools and processing equipment.

Polystyrene (PS) and other styrene polymers

In these materials, polyethylene wax can help improve flow properties and heat resistance.

Polyacrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

It can improve the flow properties of ABS during processing, making the material easier to shape and process.

In the paint and paint industry, polyethylene wax is often used to improve abrasion resistance, water resistance, hardness and the brilliance of the coverings. Furthermore, it can be used to modulate the viscosity of paints and inks.

How polyethylene wax can improve the shine of plastic

When the plastic cools and solidifies, the polyethylene wax helps produce a smoother, shinier surface . This happens because it fills the microscopic irregularities of the polymer surface, creating a more reflective and therefore shinier surface.

Additionally, polyethylene wax can also act as a releasing agent during extrusion, preventing adhesion of the molten polymer to processing equipment.

This can help produce finished products with a smoother and more uniform surface, which helps to increase shine.

How can polyethylene wax improve abrasion resistance?

The abrasion resistance of a material refers to its ability to resist wear when rubbed or scratched.

In polymers, the addition of polyethylene wax can improve abrasion resistance in several ways:

Reduction of the friction coefficient

Polyethylene wax acts as a lubricant, reducing the coefficient of friction on the surface of the polymer. This means that when an object rubs against the surface, it slides more easily and causes less damage.

Filling of microcavities

In this case it can fill in microscopic irregularities on the surface of the polymer, creating a smoother and more uniform surface that is less susceptible to abrasion.

Increased surface hardness

When the wax solidifies in the polymer matrix it helps to increase the hardness of the surface, making it more resistant to wear.

Improved compatibility of fill materials

In some polymers, the product can improve the compatibility between the polymer and the fill materials used, which can aid abrasion resistance.

However, it is important to note that the effect of polyethylene wax on abrasion resistance may vary depending on the type of polymer and the specifics of the manufacturing process .

Furthermore, adding too much polyethylene wax can have the opposite effect and reduce abrasion resistance, so it is It's important to find the right balance.

Why by combining polyethylene wax with polymers do we increase their workability?

The addition of polyethylene wax to polymers can improve their workability through various mechanisms:

Polyethylene wax acts as a lubricant during the polymer manufacturing process, reducing friction between the particles themselves. This can facilitate processing by reducing the energy needed to shape or deform the material.

Polyethylene wax can also improve the flow properties of the polymer during melting. This means that the molten material flows more easily, which can aid processing and reduce the risk of defects in the final product.

It can also help reduce adhesion of the melted polymer to the processing equipment. This helps prevent problems such as agglomeration and facilitate removal of the final product from the equipment.

In some polymers, polyethylene wax can also improve the compatibility between the polymer and the filling materials used. This can facilitate processing and help obtain a better quality final product.

How to dose polyethylene wax with polymers during extrusion?

The dosage of polyethylene wax in a polymer during the extrusion process can vary depending on various factors, including the type of polymer, the specifications of the extrusion process, and the desired properties of the final product.

However, there are some general principles that can be used as a starting point.

In general, polyethylene wax is usually used in concentrations ranging from 1% to 5% by weight relative to the polymer . This means that for every 100 grams of polymer, 1 to 5 grams of polyethylene wax could be used.

During the extrusion process, polyethylene wax is generally added to the polymer while it is being melted.

After the addition of this additive, the polymer and wax mix is cooled and solidified to form the final product. During this process, polyethylene wax can help improve, as we said, the properties of the product, such as shine, abrasion resistance, and workability.

What does polyethylene wax look like to be added to polymers?

Polyethylene wax, when ready to be added to polymers, usually occurs in solid form at room temperature.

It may be availablein different physical forms, including granules, flakes, powder, or pearls. The exact shape may vary depending on production needs and manufacturer preferences.

Waxes in the form of granules or pearls are often preferred due to their ease of manipulation and dosage. They can be easily measured and added to the polymer during the manufacturing process.