Polyethylene wax (PE wax) is an important additive in PVC processing, mainly used as a lubricant, dispersant, and processing aid. Its applications and mechanism of action are as follows:
• External lubrication effect: PE wax migrates to the surface of the melt during PVC processing, reducing friction between the melt and processing equipment (such as screws and molds), preventing adhesion, and improving mold release. It is especially suitable for high-shear processes (such as extrusion and injection molding).
• Promoting plasticization: As an internal lubricant, PE wax can reduce friction between PVC molecular chains, improve melt fluidity, shorten plasticization time, lower energy consumption, and avoid overheating decomposition.
• Improving dispersibility: Helps fillers (such as calcium carbonate) and pigments disperse evenly in the PVC system, reducing agglomeration and enhancing the color uniformity and mechanical properties of products.
• Surface modification: Improves the surface gloss of PVC products, reduces precipitation and scaling, and extends mold life.
• Rigid PVC products (such as pipes, profiles, sheets): Require high lubricity. PE wax can balance internal and external lubrication, preventing premature or delayed plasticization. The typical addition amount is 0.1%-1.0%.
• Flexible PVC products (such as cable materials, films): Used in conjunction with plasticizers to reduce plasticizer migration and improve processing stability.
• Transparent PVC products: Low-molecular-weight PE wax (such as oxidized polyethylene wax) is selected to avoid increased haze and maintain transparency.
• Foamed PVC: Improves melt strength and promotes uniform distribution of bubbles.
• Good thermal stability: Not easy to volatilize or decompose at high temperatures (melting point 100-120℃).
• Chemical inertness: Moderate compatibility with PVC, not easy to migrate and precipitate.
• Cost-effectiveness: Lower price than some high-grade lubricants (such as montan wax).
Recommended model: ERICW EW-6
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