Polyethylene wax is a low-molecular-weight polyethylene used as a versatile additive across plastics, coatings, inks, cosmetics, and adhesives. It is a high-performance synthetic wax widely used across industries for its excellent thermal stability, lubrication properties, and compatibility with polymers. Because of its polyolefin backbone, PE wax offers a unique blend of lubrication, gloss, and compatibility with nonpolar systems. Whether you're formulating masterbatches, coatings, adhesives, or PVC compounds, understanding the physical and chemical properties of PE wax is essential for optimising product performance.
In this blog, we cover essential information about polyethylene wax, including PE wax melting point, PE wax density, PE wax chemical density, PE wax viscosity, uses of polyethylene wax, and PE wax physical properties, to help formulators select the right grade for their applications.
Polyethylene wax is a solid, wax-like polymer derived from ethylene. It is non-polar and hydrophobic, and it blends well with other hydrocarbon systems. Its compatibility depends on molecular weight and crystallinity. PE wax typically appears as a white or off-white, odourless solid at room temperature. It melts and flows when heated, enabling easy incorporation into blends, emulsions, and coatings.
Its defining properties include:
These attributes make PE wax ideal for high-temperature processing and demanding industrial environments.
The melting point of polyethylene wax typically ranges from 100°C to 140°C. It is influenced by grade, molecular weight, and crystallinity. Higher melting points are preferred in applications requiring thermal resistance, such as:
The melting point helps determine how PE wax behaves as a lubricant, slip agent, or mold-release additive during processing. It also affects storage stability and performance in hot-mill or extrusion processes.
PE wax density (paraffin wax) is often cited for comparison, since many wax applications involve both PE and paraffin grades. Paraffin wax densities (physical density) typically range from 0.92 to 0.98 g/cm³ at room temperature, depending on crystallinity, refinement, grade and molecular structure.
While paraffin and polyethylene waxes share a waxy, solid state, their densities reflect different hydrocarbon backbones (paraffin being a more saturated, straight-chain hydrocarbon mix, PE wax being a low-molecular-weight polyolefin). Understanding PW wax density helps formulators predict phase behaviour when blending with PE wax.
Higher-density PE waxes tend to offer better mechanical strength and gloss in coatings and films.
Chemical density, as a concept for waxes, is not a standard specification. Still, the phrase "PE wax chemical density" can be interpreted as the material’s chemical characteristics that influence density and compatibility. The chemical density of PE wax reflects molecular packing and hydrocarbon chain structure, which influence compatibility with other polymers and solvents.
PE wax is non-polar with a hydrocarbon backbone. This non-polarity yields low surface energy and good compatibility with nonpolar systems, but limited miscibility with polar components (such as water, certain pigments, or hydrophilic resins).
The non-polar, hydrocarbon nature of PE wax gives it excellent chemical resistance to many oils and solvents at room temperature. Still, it requires compatibilisers or surfactants for dispersing in polar matrices or aqueous emulsions.
Viscosity is highly temperature-dependent. At processing temperatures, PE wax demonstrates a wide viscosity range depending on molecular weight and degree of crystallinity. PE wax typically exhibits low melt viscosity, ranging from 10 to 500 mPa·s at processing temperatures. This allows for:
Viscosity varies with molecular weight and temperature, so selecting the right grade is critical for process optimisation. For extrusion, coating, or ink applications, adjusting temperature, shear, and additive packages will tailor the viscosity to achieve desired slurry stability, film formation, and slip properties.
Polyethylene wax is used in a wide range of industrial applications. Its versatility and compatibility with other waxes and polymers make it a staple in formulation design. Its uses include:
The uses of polyethylene wax span industrial processing, consumer packaging, and cosmetic applications, reflecting its balance of heat stability, non-polar compatibility, and lubricating properties.
PE wax is a low-molecular-weight polyethylene with a non-polar hydrocarbon structure. The specific grade and processing history influence its density and crystalline fraction.
Key physical properties of polyethylene wax include:
These properties contribute to its performance in surface protection, lubrication, and dispersion systems.
The properties of polyethylene wax make it a versatile component for a broad range of applications. Its relatively low melting point, non-polar chemistry, and lubrication characteristics enable effective use as a processing aid, slip agent, mold-release additive, and performance modifier in coatings, inks, cosmetics, and adhesives.
Understanding PE wax melting point, density, viscosity, and physical properties empowers formulators to select the right grade for their specific application. Whether you're enhancing gloss in coatings, improving flow in plastics, or stabilising adhesives, PE wax delivers consistent performance under thermal and mechanical conditions.
As industries continue to demand scalable, high-performance materials, polyethylene wax remains a reliable, cost-effective solution.
