PE-Wax 106

PE-Wax 106 is a type of polyethylene wax commonly used in various industrial applications, particularly in coatings, inks, and plastics. It is a high molecular weight polymer that offers excellent properties such as slip, anti-blocking, and dispersing abilities. PE-Wax 106 is often employed as an additive to enhance surface smoothness, improve processing performance, and reduce friction. Its key characteristics include high thermal stability, chemical resistance, and low viscosity, making it suitable for applications in paints, adhesives, and as a release agent in molding processes.

PE-Wax 106 is a specific grade of polyethylene (PE) wax with various industrial applications, particularly in coatings, inks, plastics, and other formulations that benefit from its high-performance characteristics. Below are more detailed features and uses of PE-Wax 106:

Key Properties:

  1. High Molecular Weight: PE-Wax 106 has a high molecular weight, making it stable and durable in a wide range of environments.
  2. Low Viscosity: This provides ease of incorporation into formulations without significantly affecting the overall consistency of the final product.
  3. Thermal Stability: It has excellent heat resistance, making it suitable for use in high-temperature processing environments.
  4. Chemical Resistance: PE-Wax 106 is resistant to acids, alkalis, and other chemicals, which adds durability in aggressive environments.
  5. Good Compatibility: It is compatible with a wide range of resins, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and other polymers. This makes it versatile across various industries.
  6. Slip and Anti-blocking: PE-Wax 106 is often used as a slip agent and anti-blocking agent in packaging, improving the surface properties and ensuring the individual sheets, films, or products do not stick together.
  7. Low Surface Energy: This makes it useful in creating smooth, non-stick surfaces.
  8. Non-toxic and Non-irritating: It’s safe for use in a wide range of applications, including those where direct human contact may occur (e.g., food packaging or cosmetics).

Applications:

  1. Coatings:
    • Used in paints and coatings to improve the flow, leveling, and surface smoothness. PE-Wax 106 helps enhance the gloss and provides better wear resistance and durability.
  2. Inks:
    • In printing inks, it acts as a dispersing agent to improve the flow and prevent pigment aggregation, which ensures even coverage on surfaces.
  3. Plastics and Polymers:
    • PE-Wax 106 is added to plastic formulations, improving processing characteristics and enhancing the surface appearance of molded or extruded parts. It acts as a lubricant to reduce friction during processing.
  4. Plastics Processing:
    • In extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding, PE-Wax 106 is used as a release agent to facilitate the removal of molded parts and to reduce sticking in molds.
  5. Hot Melt Adhesives:
    • PE-Wax 106 enhances the adhesion properties of hot melt adhesives by improving the balance between tackiness and shear strength.
  6. Polishes and Wax Products:
    • It is used in polishes for automotive and industrial applications to improve the final product’s durability, gloss, and surface smoothness.
  7. Cosmetics:
    • Due to its mild properties, PE-Wax 106 is used in the cosmetic industry in formulations for lipsticks, deodorants, and other solid products to help with texture, stability, and smooth application.

Benefits:

  • Improved Surface Quality: PE-Wax 106 improves the surface smoothness of coatings and films, providing a glossy finish and reducing friction.
  • Enhanced Processing Efficiency: It acts as a lubricant during the processing of plastics, allowing for faster and more efficient production processes.
  • Versatility: It is compatible with many other additives and resins, which increases its flexibility for different formulations and uses.

Conclusion:

PE-Wax 106 is a versatile and high-performance polyethylene wax with a broad range of applications, especially in the coatings, inks, and plastics industries. Its excellent thermal stability, low viscosity, and anti-blocking properties make it an essential ingredient in improving surface properties and processing efficiency.

General Specifications of PE-Wax 106:

  1. Appearance:
    • White, odorless, and waxy solid or pellets.
    • Typically, the material is free-flowing, non-toxic, and non-irritating.
  2. Molecular Weight:
    • High molecular weight (usually around 3,000 – 6,000 g/mol).
  3. Melting Point:
    • Typically between 105°C – 110°C (221°F – 230°F). This value can vary depending on the specific grade and molecular weight of the wax.
  4. Density:
    • Approximately 0.92 – 0.96 g/cm³ at 25°C. This indicates the wax is slightly less dense than water.
  5. Viscosity:
    • Low viscosity at processing temperatures, which aids in easy incorporation into formulations and smooth processing.
  6. Softening Point (Ring & Ball Test):
    • Around 90°C – 100°C. The softening point is typically used to gauge how the material will behave under heat.
  7. Flash Point:
    • Generally, around 250°C (482°F). The flash point indicates the temperature at which the wax will emit flammable vapors.
  8. Acid Value:
    • 0.5 – 2.0 mg KOH/g. A low acid value indicates that the material is relatively pure and does not contain significant amounts of acidic compounds.
  9. Saponification Value:
    • 2 – 6 mg KOH/g. This value measures the amount of alkali needed to neutralize the free fatty acids in the wax.
  10. Color:
    • Typically White to Off-white. A higher purity wax will have minimal discoloration.
  11. Flash Point:
    • Typically, >250°C (482°F), indicating the material has a high degree of thermal stability and is not prone to ignition under normal working conditions.
  12. Volatile Content:
    • Typically < 1% at 105°C for 2 hours. This indicates the amount of moisture or volatile compounds present in the wax.
  13. Solubility:
    • Insoluble in water, but soluble in many organic solvents like toluene, xylene, and other hydrocarbons.
  14. Heat Stability:
    • Excellent thermal stability, making it suitable for high-temperature processing in various applications like plastics and coatings.

Typical Applications:

  • As an additive in paints and coatings to improve flow, leveling, and durability.
  • Used as a dispersing agent in printing inks.
  • As a slip and anti-blocking agent in packaging films.
  • Lubricant and mold release agent in plastics processing, such as injection molding and extrusion.

Packaging:

  • PE-Wax 106 is typically packaged in 25 kg bags or bulk containers, depending on the manufacturer’s standards and customer requirements.

These specifications are general guidelines and can vary slightly depending on the exact formulation or grade of PE-Wax 106 produced by different suppliers. It is always best to refer to the material safety data sheet (MSDS) or technical data sheet (TDS) provided by the manufacturer for precise values and handling recommendations.

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