Polyethylene wax production process

Polyethylene wax production process

Pyrolyzed polyethylene wax is mainly made from high-molecular-weight polyethylene through a series of depolymerization reactions with other auxiliary materials. Depolymerization is a key step in polyethylene wax production. The entire depolymerization process should be carried out in a closed reactor.

Production methods of polyethylene wax (PE wax)

1. Melting method: The solvent is heated and melted in a closed high-pressure container, and then discharged under appropriate cooling conditions to obtain the finished product; the disadvantage is that the quality is difficult to control, the operating cost is high and dangerous, and some waxes are not suitable for this method.

2. Emulsion method: Fine, round particles can be obtained, suitable for water-based systems, but the added surfactant will affect the water resistance of the film.

3. Dispersion method: Add wax to tree wax/solution and disperse it with a ball mill, roller, or other dispersion equipment; the disadvantage is that it is difficult to obtain high-quality products and the cost is high.

4. Micronization method: A spray micronizer or micronizer/classifier can be used for micronization.

Polyethylene wax is usually produced by high-pressure and low-pressure polymerization; high-pressure methods produce branched polyethylene wax with low density and low melting point, while low-density linear wax can be prepared by low-pressure methods; polyethylene wax has different densities. For example, for non-polar PE wax produced by low-pressure methods, low-density wax (low branching, high crystallinity) is usually hard, with better wear resistance and scratch resistance, but slightly worse in sliding performance and reducing the coefficient of friction.

Applications of polyethylene wax

1. Concentrated masterbatch and filled masterbatch. It is widely used in polyolefin masterbatches as a dispersant in masterbatch processing. It has good compatibility with resins such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene, and has excellent external and internal lubrication.

2. PVC profiles, pipes and composite stabilizers are used as dispersants, lubricants and whitening agents in the molding and processing of PVC profiles, pipes, fittings and PE.PP to enhance the degree of plasticization, improve the toughness and surface smoothness of plastic products, and are widely used in the production of PVC composite stabilizers.

3. Inks have good light resistance and chemical properties. It can be used as a pigment carrier to improve the wear resistance of coatings and inks, improve the dispersibility of pigments and fillers, and has a good anti-settling effect. It can be used as a matting agent for coatings and inks to give products a good gloss and three-dimensional effect.

4. Wax products are widely used in the production of floor wax, car wax, glass wax, candles, crayons and other wax products to improve the softening point of wax products, increase their strength and surface gloss.

5. Cable materials As a lubricant for cable insulation materials, it can enhance filler diffusion, improve extrusion speed, increase mold flow, and facilitate demolding.

6. Hot melt products are used as dispersants for various hot melt adhesives, thermosetting powder coatings, road marking paints, and marking paints. They have a good anti-settling effect and give products a good gloss and three-dimensional effect.

7. As a rubber processing additive, rubber can enhance filler diffusion, improve extrusion speed, increase mold flow, facilitate demolding, and improve the surface brightness and smoothness of the product after film removal.

8. Cosmetics can give products a good gloss and three-dimensional effect.

9. Injection molding saves machine power lubrication and improves the surface gloss of the product.