What is the difference between paraffin wax and polyethylene wax? Paraffin wax and polyethylene wax are two different wax types with different functions. In comparison, polyethylene wax has better performance. We can explore the application of both in PVC.

Paraffin wax, also known as crystalline wax, is usually a white, colorless and odorless waxy solid. It melts at 47℃-64℃, and its density is about 0.9g/cm3. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in ether, benzene and some fats. According to the degree of processing refinement, it can be divided into three types: fully refined paraffin, semi-refined paraffin and crude paraffin.

Polyethylene wax, that is, low molecular weight polyethylene, also known as polymer wax. Polyethylene wax is a low molecular weight polyethylene homopolymer or copolymer widely used in coatings. The so-called wax means that the polymer finally floats in the form of microcrystals in the surface layer to play a similar role to paraffin but is more practical than paraffin.

The main functions of polyethylene wax in solvent-based coatings are: matting, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, polishing resistance, anti-marking, anti-blocking, anti-precipitation, thixotropy; good lubrication and processing; metallic pigment positioning .

Under normal circumstances, many manufacturers of PVC pipe profiles like to use paraffin as a lubricant. However, paraffin wax has a low softening point and poor dispersion. In the production process, the temperature is too high. The paraffin wax is basically liquefied and becomes gaseous and evaporates. The brightness of the finished PVC pipe will be affected, sometimes due to Uneven dispersion causes stains on the surface. PVC pipe profiles produced with polyethylene wax will not have such problems, because polyethylene wax has a high softening point, and under high temperature conditions, polyethylene wax will only become liquid. If the polyethylene wax has a high viscosity, the dispersion effect is not good, but the brightness is very good. If the polyethylene wax has a low viscosity, the dispersion will be very good, and the brightness is good.

Some customers like polyethylene wax with viscosity, while others like low viscosity. Choose according to customer needs.