A variety of industries ranging from textiles and plastic processing to coatings and inks rely on oxidized wax to make their products and processes better. We meet the needs of our customers with a product known as TRECWAX®. Versatility makes TRECWAX® such an excellent product.
Also known as oxidized polyethylene (OPE) wax, the low-molecular-weight polymer is found in a surprising number of products we all use daily. The wax is a modified form of its standard polyethylene counterpart that offers some unique and very desirable properties.
OPE Wax in Simple Terms
OPE wax begins its life as polyethylene (PE) wax. This wax is a synthetic, crystalline product created by polymerizing ethylene. It is a hard, colorless substance that can be used as an additive and a lubricant.
Exposing polyethylene wax to a combination of oxygen, heat, and a catalyst creates polar functional groups that transform the material into oxidized polyethylene wax. These same polar functional groups make OPE so desirable.
OPE Wax’s Adhesion Benefits
The oxidized wax molecules can contain polar groups including alcohols, esters, and fatty acids. That makes them more compatible with a variety of polar substrates. Think of things like polymers, inks, adhesives, and resins. Increased compatibility leads to improved polarity.
Improved polarity creates stronger bonds between surfaces and materials. So by using oxidized polyethylene wax as an adhesive, manufacturers get better adhesion for all sorts of products, including PVC and sealants.
Migration is reduced via oxidized polyethylene wax thanks to its ability to anchor oils and other components that otherwise move freely. Reducing migration increases an adhesive’s long-term performance.
OPE Wax’s Lubrication Effects
As a lubricant, oxidized wax offers a nice internal-external balance. This is especially important in plastics. Oxidized wax offers a low coefficient of friction and a high melting point that works together to reduce friction between metal surfaces and resin particles. The benefits are clear:
- Less wear and tear on equipment.
- Enhanced flow properties.
- Lower power consumption during mixing and forming.
As a bonus, oxidized wax also forms a thin lubricating layer over each polymer particle. The result is a better surface finish. Equipment is further protected by the layer as well.
OPE Wax’s Dispersion Benefits
Oxidizing polyethylene wax introduces carboxyl and other polar groups to the material. These groups significantly increase OPE Wax’s dispersion ability in various systems. For example, consider inks and coding.
A better distribution of pigments, fillers, and additives makes for higher quality inks and coatings. Oxidized polyethylene wax encourages more uniform color in inks, coatings, and polymer blends. It even enhances product stability and consistency.
The advantages of OPE also extend to its use as an emulsifier in various applications. The wax encourages better blending of oil and water-based components that are critical to the manufacture of water-resistant and moisture-controlled industrial products.
Interaction With Polar Chemical Systems
Oxidized wax is a versatile product thanks to its ability to interact with polar chemical systems. Manufacturers get the hardness and lubricating characteristics of standard PE wax along with the unique properties created by combining it with a particular polar material. Once again, the benefits are obvious:
- Adhesion – Improved substrate bonding.
- Lubrication – Improved flow, reduced wear and tear.
- Dispersion – More uniform pigment/filler spread.
Where adhesion, lubrication, and dispersion are critical to industrial applications, oxidized wax fits the bill. If you are interested in knowing more about the different grades and specifications of OPE wax or would like to know more about TRECWAX®, contact us. The Trecora team looks forward to introducing you to a specialty wax that can deliver significant performance improvements across a variety of products and processes.
