PE wax is low molecular weight polyethylene — either polymerised directly from ethylene or produced by cracking PE resin under high temperature and pressure. The production route and the molecular weight distribution decide the physical indicators, which is why two grades at the same softening point can behave differently on the line. Non-toxic, odourless, non-corrosive, chemically stable and compatible with most resins.

Used as a dispersing lubricant in colour and filler masterbatch; as an external lubricant in PVC profile, pipe and moulded parts, where it raises toughness, surface gloss and ageing resistance; as a pigment dispersant in inks and paints; in hot-melt adhesives and road marking paint; and in floor, car and polishing waxes.

Modified waxes are produced by oxidising, chlorinating or grafting a base wax. Introducing polar functional groups gives strong affinity for polar molecules, higher weather resistance, better emulsifying behaviour and improved dispersion and internal/external lubrication — the reason they dominate in engineering plastics where a non-polar wax would simply migrate.

Typical use: wax emulsions, masterbatch, PVC processing (especially foamed products and film), EVA/HMA, engineering plastics modification, asphalt modification and coatings.

Two parameters do most of the work. Softening or melt point decides how far into the barrel lubrication is held — higher suits high-temperature extrusion. Melt viscosity decides wetting speed — lower wets pigment and filler faster, which is what masterbatch needs.

If the formulation is pigment-heavy or contains polar polymer, start from an oxidised or grafted grade rather than a base wax. If you are replacing a wax you already buy, send us its softening point, melt viscosity and acid value and we will match it against an equivalent grade rather than propose the nearest one in stock.