What is cracked polyethylene wax?


Published Time:

2023-06-14

Cracked polyethylene wax, with its low molecular weight, wide melting point range, good thermal stability, low crystallinity, and low cost, has a wide range of applications in industrial lubrication, waterproof materials, hot melt adhesives, and asphalt modification.

  Cracked polyethylene wax is a low-molecular-weight wax product produced by the thermal cracking of polyethylene. It has the following main characteristics:

  1. Low molecular weight. The molecular weight of cracked polyethylene wax is typically between 500 and 3000, significantly lower than that of conventional polyethylene wax, resulting in better fluidity and permeability.

  2. Wide melting point range. The different molecular weight components result in a wide melting point distribution range. Different molecular weight combinations can be used to obtain the desired melting point as needed, with a wide range of operating temperatures.

  3. Good thermal stability. Using distillation purification to remove low-molecular-weight volatile components results in good thermal stability, with operating temperatures exceeding 200°C.

  4. Amorphous structure. After the cracking process, its degree of crystallinity is reduced, with a higher proportion of amorphous segments, making it easier to form films and penetrate.

  5. Low crystallinity. Compared to ordinary polyethylene wax, it has lower relative crystallinity, making it easier to soften and flow, with lower viscosity and hardness.

  6. Increased polarity. The cracking process produces branches and double bonds on the molecular chain, increasing the polar potential, enhancing hydrophilicity, and improving dispersion performance in water.

  7. Low cost. Using waste plastics as raw materials, the production process is simple and does not require expensive production equipment, resulting in significantly lower costs.

  In summary, cracked polyethylene wax, with its low molecular weight, wide melting point range, good thermal stability, low crystallinity, and low cost, has a wide range of applications in industrial lubrication, waterproof materials, hot melt adhesives, and asphalt modification. Compared to ordinary polyethylene wax, it has better fluidity, stronger film-forming properties, and a wider applicable temperature range. It is a high-performance, low-cost wax product with high economic value and market prospects.