Quick Search
LUWAX OA is a specialty polyethylene wax commonly used as an additive in coatings, inks, plastics, and polishes to improve surface properties and processing performance.
Due to its fine particle size, good dispersibility, and low molecular weight, LUWAX OA enhances scratch resistance, slip, and abrasion resistance while improving flow, demolding behavior, and compatibility with a wide range of polymer systems.
Thanks to its versatility, chemical stability, and low volatility, LUWAX OA is considered a multifunctional additive valued for enhancing appearance, durability, and processing efficiency across diverse industrial applications.
CAS Number: 9002-88-4
EC Number: 200-815-3
Molecular Formula: (C₂H₄)ₙ
Molecular Weight: Typically 2,000 – 10,000 g/mol
Synonyms: Polyethylene wax, PE wax, Polyolefin wax, Synthetic polyethylene wax, Micronized polyethylene wax, Oxidized polyethylene wax (when modified), Poly(ethylene) low molecular weight, Low molecular weight polyethylene, Polyethylene homopolymer wax, Polyethylene resin wax, Polyethylene oligomer, Polyethylene micro-wax, Polyethylene-based wax additive, High-density polyethylene wax (HDPE wax), Thermoplastic polyethylene wax, Saturated polyethylene wax, Poly(1-olefin) wax, Ethylene polymer wax, Ethene homopolymer wax, Fischer–Tropsch polyethylene wax (related class), Polyethylene paraffin wax, Polyethylene hard wax, Polyethylene lubricating wax, Polyethylene processing wax, Polyethylene slip agent, Polyethylene anti-blocking wax, Polyethylene dispersing aid, Polyethylene surface modifier, Polyethylene gloss control agent, Polyethylene abrasion-resistant wax, Polyethylene matting agent, Polyethylene coating wax, Polyethylene ink additive, Polyethylene adhesive modifier, Polyethylene polish wax, Polyethylene textile wax, Polyethylene leather finish wax, Polyethylene hot-melt wax, Polyethylene masterbatch wax, Polyethylene stabilizer wax, Polyethylene solid lubricant, Polyethylene extrusion wax, Polyethylene molding wax, Polyethylene powder wax, Polyethylene granular wax, Polyethylene flake wax, Polyethylene polymer wax, Polyethylene additive wax, Polyethylene dusting agent, Polyethylene protective wax
LUWAX OA is a specialty polyethylene wax commonly used as an additive in coatings, inks, plastics, and polishes to improve surface properties and processing performance.
LUWAX OA typically appears as a white, odorless, solid material with a relatively low molecular weight, providing excellent compatibility with a wide range of polymer systems.
Due to its fine particle size and good dispersibility, LUWAX OA enhances scratch resistance, slip, and abrasion resistance while reducing blocking and improving matting effects in surface finishes.
In plastics and masterbatches, LUWAX OA functions as a lubricant and processing aid, contributing to improved flow and demolding behavior.
LUWAX OA's chemical stability, low volatility, and resistance to moisture make it a versatile and reliable performance enhancer across multiple industrial applications.
They are waxes for detergents and cleaners and industrial formulators.
Emulsifiable polyethylene wax used to prepare wax emulsions for industrial use.
Luwax OA is an oxidized polyethylene wax.
Luwax OA acts as a lubricant for plastics processing.
Luwax OA is produced by high pressure polymerization process.
Luwax OA is used as dispersant in wax compounds & floor polishes.
Luwax are used to manufacture a variety of wax emulsions for cleaning and care applications, such as polishes for floor, shoes, leather, furniture, and automobiles.
Luwax helps to protect surfaces against mechanical wear, improve surface appearance, and control slip properties when formulated in pastes,creams, or aqueous emulsions.
These ethylene-based polymers are produced by a high pressure polymerization process.
Luwax OA properties are primarily determined by the molecular weight, the density and the addition of other monomers.
Products are available as powders, micropowders, granules or pastilles.
Polyethylene waxes are used as additives in a variety of markets and applications.
They can be used in printing inks to improve rub resistance or in paints as a flattening and anti-settling agent.
And they are excellent as dispersants and color enhancers in color concentrates or in wax compounds to increase hardness.
Some of their other uses include improved black heel mark resistance and buffability in floor polishes, and as a lubricant for plastics processing.
Oxidized polyethylene wax of high hardness and medium molar mass.
Soluble in hot non-polar solvents.
Luwax OA is emulsified surfactant.
Surfactants and surfactants make Luwax OA possible to obtain transparent compositions.
Anionic and non-ionic Luwax OA 2 emulsions form a glossy hard film.
In a mixture with styrene-acrylic dispersions, Luwax OA is used in floor products.
Luwax OA is also used in polishes for furniture and cars.
LUWAX OA is a high-quality polyethylene wax produced through the polymerization or modification of ethylene.
LUWAX OA is supplied as a finely divided, white, odorless powder or granulate and is widely recognized for its ability to improve the surface and processing characteristics of numerous industrial formulations.
With its relatively low molecular weight, LUWAX OA possesses excellent dispersibility and compatibility with a variety of natural and synthetic polymers, resins, and binders.
Chemically stable and resistant to oxidation, moisture, and most solvents, LUWAX OA maintains LUWAX OA's properties even under demanding processing conditions.
LUWAX OA's unique balance of hardness, lubricity, and melting behavior makes it highly valued in the coatings, printing inks, plastics, adhesives, and polish industries.
In coatings and inks, LUWAX OA imparts scratch resistance, rub resistance, slip, and anti-blocking properties, while also enhancing matting effects.
In plastics, LUWAX OA serves as both an internal and external lubricant, facilitating smooth processing, reducing friction during extrusion or molding, and improving demolding performance.
Beyond its role as a surface modifier, LUWAX OA also acts as a processing aid, reducing energy requirements and improving flow behavior in polymer systems.
LUWAX OA has widespread applications in hot-melt adhesives, masterbatches, textiles, and leather finishes, where it provides gloss control, soft touch effects, and long-term durability.
LUWAX OA's low volatility and thermal stability ensure reliable performance, while its inert nature minimizes negative interactions with other formulation components.
Thanks to its versatility, LUWAX OA is considered a multifunctional additive: enhancing appearance, improving mechanical resistance, and optimizing processing efficiency across a wide range of industries.
LUWAX OA's combination of ease of use, performance consistency, and broad compatibility makes it a trusted material for formulators seeking to balance both aesthetic and functional properties in end products.
Market Overview of Luwax OA:
LUWAX OA occupies a strategic position in the global industrial additives market as a specialty polyethylene wax with wide applications in coatings, printing inks, plastics, adhesives, polishes, textiles, and leather finishes.
The demand for LUWAX OA is driven by the growing need for high-performance coatings and environmentally friendly formulations, as its low volatility, chemical inertness, and safe profile make it highly suitable for both traditional solvent-based systems and modern waterborne, low-VOC technologies.
In developed markets such as Europe and North America, strict regulatory standards and the pursuit of premium quality coatings and plastics secure steady consumption, while the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China and India, shows rapid growth fueled by the expansion of construction, automotive, and packaging industries.
LUWAX OA’s versatility allows formulators to balance functionality and aesthetics, supporting durability, surface protection, and processing efficiency.
LUWAX OA's competitive cost, consistent performance, and compatibility with sustainability trends ensure that it maintains a stable market share, with future growth expected in eco-friendly product development projects across multiple industries.
Applications of Luwax OA:
LUWAX OA finds broad application across multiple industries due to its versatile performance as a polyethylene wax.
In coatings and paints, LUWAX OA improves scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, slip, and anti-blocking properties while offering controlled matting and gloss effects for enhanced durability and appearance.
In printing inks, LUWAX OA prevents smudging by increasing rub resistance, ensures smoother surface slip, and contributes to color consistency through stable pigment dispersion.
Within the plastics industry, LUWAX OA functions as a lubricant and processing aid, reducing friction and energy consumption during extrusion and molding, while improving demolding and surface finish quality.
LUWAX OA is also incorporated into masterbatches to stabilize pigments and polymers.
In adhesives, particularly hot-melt and pressure-sensitive types, LUWAX OA enhances flow, wetting, and thermal stability while controlling tackiness for reliable performance.
LUWAX OA is also widely used in polishes and care products, where it imparts gloss, water resistance, and protection to surfaces such as wood, leather, and automobiles.
Additionally, in textiles and leather finishes, LUWAX OA provides a soft touch, dirt repellency, and long-lasting surface quality, making it a multifunctional additive valued for both functional and aesthetic improvements.
Floor polishes, leather polishes:
Emulsions prepared from Luwax OA, especially anionic and anionic-nonionic emulsions, dry to form tough, glossy films which can beused to protect a variety of substrates.
Luwax OA perform well indry-bright emulsion-type polishes.
Coemulsions with montanic esterwaxes, carnauba wax, microcrystalline wax and paraffin wax can also beprepared if necessary.
Solvents such as mineral spirits can also be addedin special cases.
Solvents such as mineral spirits and solvent naphtha can be added to carpolishes and furniture polishes in order to provide an added cleaningeffect.
Silicone oils improve the gloss, buffability and toughness of protective films.
Textile:
Anionic-nonionic, cationic and nonionic emulsions of Luwax OA used in textile finishing, often in combination with paraffin wax.
Theyimpart a smooth, soft, full handle to fabrics such as cotton and linen, andthey increase the fabrics’ water repellancy.
They can be added to crease-resistant resin finishes to improve their abrasion resistance, sewability andtearing resistance.
Emulsions of this type can also be used to reduce thesusceptibility of fabrics to soiling and improve their washability and waterresistance, especially if the emulsions have a low emulsifier content.
In textile applications, Luwax OA is very important that wax emulsions are resistantto electrolytes and salts that act as catalysts.
The resistance of anionic-nonionic emulsions of Luwax OA to 5 % solutions of ammoniumdihydrogen phosphate, zinc nitrate and magnesium chloride at 20 °C isparticularly good.
Other applications of Luwax OA:
Emulsions prepared from Luwax OA Pastilles and large proportions of par-affin wax dry to form tough, water-repellent films.
These have a variety ofapplications.
Formwork emulsions:
Emulsions of Luwax OA can be applied to wooden and metalforms for concrete.
They have the advantage over oils that they do notpenetrate into the concrete, which causes problems when renderings andfinishes are applied.
Water repellants for particle board:
Wax emulsions are added to the adhesives used to bind particle board toprevent particles of wood from absorbing moisture and swelling.
Temporary protective coatings for metal:
Emulsions can be applied to new cars and machine parts, etc., to protectthem from corrosion during transport and storage.
Size for paper:
Applied to paper in the size press, emulsions of this type give improvedwater resistance, smoothness and gloss.
Solubility of Luwax OA:
The following table shows the “cloud point” of Luwax OA Pastilles, dissol-ved in selected solvents at a concentration of 10 %.
This is the tempera-ture at which the wax just begins to precipitate out of solution on cooling.
The temperature at which Luwax OA forms a clear solution is virtually the same,depending on the rate at which Luwax OA is heated.
Solvent - Boiling point of solvent (°C) - Cloud point (°C)
Mineral spirits: 140 – 200 - ca. 63
Tetrachloroethylene: 121 - ca. 52
Toluene: 111 - ca. 56
Xylene: 135.5 –141 - ca. 58
Xylene/n-butanol (60 : 40): - ca. 68
Miscibility of Luwax OA:
The miscibility of Luwax OA with Luwax OA listed below wasdetermined by melting them and mixing them together in the ratios 9:1 and 1:9.
The wax forms a homogeneous mixture with the following sub-stances in molten and solid form.
Carnauba wax
Fischer-Tropsch wax
Hard microcrystalline wax
Laropal®K 80
Luwax E Flakes
Luwax LG Flakes
Luwax V Flakes
Montan wax, crude
Oppanol®B 15
Oxidized microcrystalline wax
Paraffin wax
Plastic microcrystalline wax (Ozokerite)
Emulsification of Luwax OA:
Luwax OA is easy to prepare very stable emulsions from Luwax OA.
Anionic emulsions are the most finely divided and, depending on the typeand quantity of amine soap used to emulsify them, they can be transpar-ent to crystal-clear.
Cationic and nonionic emulsions are less finely dividedand are milky white in appearance, but anionic-nonionic emulsions can beprepared which are transparent.
Emulsions of Luwax OA, espe-cially anionic and anionic-nonionic emulsions dry to form high-gloss films.
Preparing emulsions of Luwax OA:
Because of the wax’s high melting point, the following method has to beused to prepare emulsions at atmospheric pressure.
The wax and emulsi-fier are melted together at 120 –130 °C.
The mixture is then poured intothe water in the form of a thin jet, and stirred vigorously.
The water has tobe heated to as near to boiling point as possible.
The dimensions of thestirrer and the speed at which Luwax OA rotates should be such that the waterforms a deep vortex.
The hot wax can then be poured into the vortex toprevent Luwax OA from touching the stirrer or the sides of the vessel and formingspecks.
Emulsifiers such as alkali hydroxides or acetic acid, etc., can alsobe added to the hot water.
After all the wax has been added, the emulsion should be stirred for a fur-ther 5 –15 minutes at 96 – 98 °C.
Luwax OA then has to be cooled to 40 – 50 °C asquickly as possible, preferably by passing cold water through coils or ajacket fitted to the vessel.
Generally speaking, emulsions with solids contents of up to 40 % can beprepared from Luwax OA.
They are stable and pumpable at thisconcentration.
The viscosity of emulsions with a solids content of greaterthan 40 % is too high for them to be handled at room temperature.
A less energy-intensive method is to prepare a concentrated emulsion witha solids content of ca. 40 %, and then to dilute Luwax OA down to its final concentration with cold water.
Luwax OA can also be emulsified under pressure in an autoclave.
However, Luwax OA is easier to control the properties of the emulsion if the variousingredients are added one at a time at atmospheric pressure.
Coemulsions can be prepared with other waxes such as paraffin wax,microcrystalline waxes (hard, plastic or oxidized), montanic ester waxesand carnauba wax.
Types of emulsion of Luwax OA:
The following points are important when preparing emulsions of Luwax OA.
Anionic:
Emulsifiers: Salts of oleic acid or other long-chain fatty acids together withhigh-boiling amines such as morpholine (b. p. 127 –130 °C),diethylethanolamine (b. p. 160 –163 °C) and 2-amino-2-methylpropanol (b. p. 165 –168 °C).
The wax and the oleic acid are melted together at 120 –130 °C.
The mix-ture is then stirred and cooled to 100 °C, during which time the amineforms a salt. The mixture is then reheated to 120 –130 °C and poured intothe water.
Anionic-nonionic:
Emulsifiers: Ethoxylated fatty alcohols such as Lutensol AT 11, LutensolON 70 or Lutensol TO 8, together with small quantities ofalkali hydroxide.
The alkali hydroxide forms a salt with the acid groups of the wax, whichmakes Luwax OA very easy to emulsify.
The best method is to dissolve the hydroxide in the water.
A slightly more transparent emulsion is obtained ifthe hydroxide is added to the molten wax/emulsifier mixture, but the emul-sion does not form a more transparent film on drying, and any benefits areoutweighed by disadvantages such as foaming, spitting and the formationof specks.
If emulsions of this type are to be used for finishing textiles, small quan-tities of highly ethoxylated fatty alcohols such as Lutensol AT 25 or Emulan OC are usually added to improve their stability towards metalsalts such as magnesium chloride and zinc nitrate
Cationic:
Emulsifiers: Salts of ethoxylated amines such as Lutensol FA 12 or Armo-blen 1101and short-chain monocarboxylic acids such asacetic acid.
The acetic acid is added to the water.
A cationic emulsifier is formed whenthe molten wax/amine mixture is poured in.
Nonionic:
Emulsifiers: Ethoxylated fatty alcohols such as Lutensol AT 25.
Production of LUWAX OA:
LUWAX OA is produced through the controlled polymerization of ethylene or by the thermal and catalytic degradation of high molecular weight polyethylene, resulting in a finely tuned low molecular weight wax with specific melting, hardness, and dispersibility characteristics.
The production process is carefully designed to yield a uniform particle size distribution and consistent physical properties, which are critical for reliable performance in coatings, plastics, and adhesives.
Depending on the target application, the wax can be oxidized, emulsified, or micronized to modify surface polarity, enhance compatibility, or improve dispersibility in waterborne or solvent-based systems.
Advanced production technologies ensure that LUWAX OA maintains low volatility, high chemical stability, and thermal resistance, making it suitable for demanding processing conditions.
The final product is typically supplied as a white, odorless powder, flake, or granulate that can be easily incorporated into industrial formulations.
Chemical producers emphasize strict quality control, environmental compliance, and sustainability during manufacturing, aligning LUWAX OA with global trends toward eco-friendly additives and safer processing aids.
History of LUWAX OA:
The development of LUWAX OA is closely tied to the evolution of polyethylene wax technology in the mid-20th century, when industrial chemists first discovered that low molecular weight fractions of polyethylene exhibited unique properties distinct from conventional plastics.
These waxes offered an exceptional balance of hardness, lubricity, and chemical stability, which quickly attracted interest in the coatings, inks, and plastics industries.
LUWAX product line to provide high-performance wax additives tailored to industrial applications.
Over the decades, continuous research and process improvements allowed LUWAX OA to achieve consistent quality, fine particle sizes, and broad compatibility with both solvent-based and waterborne systems.
With the rising demand for environmentally friendly and low-VOC formulations, LUWAX OA gained further significance as a versatile, low-volatility additive capable of meeting stringent regulatory standards.
Today, LUWAX OA represents not only the legacy of advanced polymer chemistry but also an enduring solution for modern industries seeking reliable performance, processing efficiency, and surface protection across a wide range of applications.
Handling and Storage of Luwax OA:
Handling:
Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
Prevent formation of dust or aerosols during transfer or grinding.
Use only with adequate ventilation.
Do not ingest or inhale vapors/fumes at elevated processing temperatures.
Storage:
Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Keep away from strong oxidizing agents such as peroxides and nitric acid.
Protect from direct sunlight, moisture, and excessive heat to avoid decomposition.
Recommended storage temperature: ambient conditions (15–25 °C).
Stability and Reactivity of Luwax OA:
Stability:
Stable under normal handling and storage conditions.
Reactivity:
No hazardous reactions are known under recommended use.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizers (chromates, permanganates), strong acids, and strong bases may initiate reactions.
Hazardous decomposition products:
Thermal decomposition may release carbon oxides (CO, CO₂) and low molecular weight hydrocarbon fragments.
Conditions to avoid:
Prolonged heating above decomposition temperature, open flames, and direct contact with oxidizing agents.
First Aid Measures of Luwax OA:
Inhalation:
If dust, fumes, or vapors are inhaled, move the affected person to fresh air.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation or discomfort persists.
Skin contact:
Wash with soap and plenty of water.
Remove contaminated clothing.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops.
Eye contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel.
Seek medical assistance if large amounts are ingested.
Firefighting Measures of Luwax OA:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO₂), or water spray (fog).
Unsuitable extinguishing media:
Do not use a direct water jet, as LUWAX OA may spread burning material.
Specific hazards:
Combustion produces dense smoke, carbon oxides, and potentially irritating vapors.
Protective equipment for firefighters:
Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Cool containers exposed to fire with water spray to prevent rupture.
Accidental Release Measures of Luwax OA:
Personal precautions:
Use personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and dust mask if needed.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Avoid generating dust or aerosols.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent entry into drains, surface water, and soil.
Large spills may create slippery surfaces.
Methods for cleaning up:
Collect spilled material mechanically (shovel, sweep, or vacuum) into suitable containers for disposal.
Wash affected area with detergent and water after removal.
Dispose of waste in accordance with local and regional regulations.
Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of Luwax OA:
Engineering controls:
Provide local exhaust or general dilution ventilation to minimize airborne exposure, especially during heating or processing.
Respiratory protection:
Not normally required at ambient conditions.
If dust or vapors are generated above occupational exposure limits, use a NIOSH/EN-approved respirator.
Hand protection:
Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene recommended).
Eye protection:
Use safety glasses with side shields or chemical splash goggles.
Skin and body protection:
Wear protective clothing as necessary to prevent contact.
Hygiene measures:
Wash hands after handling, remove contaminated clothing before reuse, and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in work areas.
Identifiers of Luwax OA:
Chemical Name: Polyethylene wax (low molecular weight)
Trade Name: LUWAX OA
Chemical Class: Synthetic polyolefin wax (polyethylene-based)
CAS Number: 9002-88-4
EC Number (EINECS): 200-815-3
Molecular Formula: (C₂H₄)ₙ, where n varies to yield low molecular weight fractions
Molecular Weight (Mw): Typically 2,000 – 10,000 g/mol
Physical Form: White, odorless powder, granulate, or flake
Melting Range: ~100 – 110 °C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in hot hydrocarbons and some organic solvents
HS Code (Customs): 3404
Product Name: LUWAX OA
Generic Name: Polyethylene Wax
Synonyms: Low Molecular Weight Polyethylene, PE Wax, Polyolefin Wax
Chemical Class: Synthetic Polyolefin (thermoplastic polymer wax)
Chemical Name (IUPAC): Polyethylene
CAS Number: 9002-88-4
EC Number (EINECS): 200-815-3
Customs/HS Code: 3404 – Artificial waxes and prepared waxes
Molecular Formula: (C₂H₄)ₙ
Molecular Weight (Mw): ~2,000 – 10,000 g/mol
Structural Description: Long-chain hydrocarbon polymer of ethylene with a semi-crystalline structure
Physical Appearance: White to off-white, odorless solid; available as powder, flakes, or granules
Melting Range: ~100 – 110 °C
Softening Point: ~95 – 105 °C
Density (20 °C): ~0.92 – 0.94 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in hot hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, and certain oils
Flash Point: > 250 °C
Volatility: Very low; stable under normal handling conditions
Odor: Odorless or very faint wax-like smell
Regulatory Status: Not classified as hazardous under EU CLP or GHS; generally considered safe as an industrial additive
Storage Class (TRGS 510, Germany): Non-hazardous solid, general storage
Properties of Luwax OA:
Form: pastilles, powder
Drop Point'C: 109
Melting Point Monoscope: 104
Density at 23'C, g/cm3: 0.97
Avergae Molar Mass Viscosimetric g/mol: 4000
Viscosity at 120'C, mm2/S: 360
Physical Appearance: White to off-white, odorless solid (flakes, granules, or powder)
Chemical Nature: Low molecular weight polyethylene wax (polyolefin)
Odor: Odorless to faint wax-like smell
Molecular Weight (Mw): ~2,000 – 10,000 g/mol (depending on grade)
Density (20 °C): 0.92 – 0.94 g/cm³
Melting Range: ~100 – 110 °C
Softening Point: 95 – 105 °C
Flash Point: > 250 °C (Cleveland open cup, typical)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (polymeric solid; decomposes at high temp)
Vapor Pressure: Negligible
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Solubility in Organics: Soluble in hot hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, certain oils
Viscosity (at melt): Low, grade-dependent
Hardness (Penetration): High hardness, semi-crystalline structure
Thermal Stability: Stable up to ~250 °C under processing conditions
Volatility: Very low; does not readily evaporate
Chemical Stability: Resistant to acids, bases, moisture, and oxidation
Compatibility: Excellent with polyolefins, PVC, resins, pigments, and coatings
Shelf Life: Indefinite under recommended storage conditions
