POLYETHYLENE WAX

CAS Number: 9002-88-4
 EC Number: 200-815-3 (for polyethylene homopolymer)
 Molecular Formula: (C₂H₄)ₙ
 Molecular Weight: Varies (typically 1,000–10,000 g/mol for wax grades)
Synonyms:
 Polyethylene wax; PE wax; Polyethylene homopolymer; Ethylene polymer; Ethene polymer; Low molecular weight polyethylene; LMWPE; Polyethylene (oxidized or non-oxidized)
Chemical Identity and Properties:
Polyethylene wax is a low molecular weight polyethylene polymer with a molecular weight typically ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 g/mol, significantly lower than standard polyethylene plastics (which have molecular weights of 50,000–200,000 g/mol). It is produced either as a byproduct of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) manufacturing or through controlled thermal degradation of higher molecular weight polyethylene.
The polymer consists of long-chain saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula (C₂H₄)ₙ. Polyethylene wax can be classified as:
Non-oxidized PE wax: Pure hydrocarbon; hydrophobic; used where non-polar characteristics are required
Oxidized PE wax: Contains carboxyl and hydroxyl groups introduced through oxidation; improved emulsifiability and compatibility with polar systems
Bio-based PE wax: Derived from renewable sources (e.g., sugarcane ethanol); minimum bio-based content up to 95% (ASTM D6866)
Physical Properties (Typical for PE Wax):
Appearance: White to pale yellow flakes, pellets, granules, or powder
Melting Point: 90–120 °C (depending on molecular weight and crystallinity)
Drop Melting Point: Approximately 100–110 °C
Solidification Point: Approximately 80–85 °C
Density: 0.88–0.96 g/cm³
Viscosity (at 140 °C): 30–200 mPas (low melt viscosity)
Needle Penetration (at 25 °C): 1–20 0.1mm (hard wax)
Acid Value: 0–30 mg KOH/g (oxidized grades have higher acid values)
Saponification Value: 0–30 mg KOH/g (oxidized grades)
Flash Point: >216 °C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in hot aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons
Manufacturing Process:
1. Direct Synthesis:
Produced as a low molecular weight byproduct during HDPE polymerization
Purified and classified by molecular weight
2. Thermal Degradation:
Controlled thermal cracking of high molecular weight polyethylene
Yields narrow molecular weight distribution waxes
3. Oxidized PE Wax:
Air oxidation of non-oxidized PE wax
Introduces polar functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, carbonyl)
Enhances emulsifiability and compatibility with polar resins, pigments, and solvents
4. Bio-based PE Wax:
Derived from bio-ethanol (sugarcane) via ethylene production
Polymerized to produce bio-based polyethylene and wax
Minimum 95% bio-based content certified by ASTM D6866
Applications:
1. Plastics and Polymer Processing:
Lubricant: Internal and external lubricant for PVC processing; reduces friction between polymer melt and processing equipment
Dispersing agent: Improves dispersion of pigments and fillers in masterbatches and compounds
Release agent: Facilitates demolding of plastic parts
Processing aid: Reduces melt viscosity and improves flow
2. Paints and Coatings:
Matting agent: Provides controlled surface texture and matte finish
Mar resistance: Improves scratch and abrasion resistance
Anti-blocking: Prevents adhesion between coated surfaces
Rheology modifier: Controls viscosity and flow characteristics
3. Printing Inks:
Rub resistance: Enhances abrasion resistance of printed surfaces
Slip additive: Improves surface lubricity
Anti-scratch: Provides protection against mechanical damage
4. Adhesives and Sealants:
Viscosity modifier: Controls melt viscosity of hot melt adhesives
Open time modifier: Adjusts setting time and bonding window
Crystallinity control: Modifies adhesive properties
5. Cosmetics and Personal Care:
Thickener: Provides body and consistency in creams, lotions, and balms
Film former: Creates water-resistant protective films
Texture modifier: Enhances sensory properties
6. Industrial Applications:
Candle making: Hardens candles, raises melting point, reduces sooting
Rubber processing: Processing aid and release agent
Textile finishing: Provides water repellency and handle modification
PVC applications: Pipe, profile, cable, and sheet manufacturing

SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT POLYETHYLENE WAX

First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician. 
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
 
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air. 
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. 
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
 
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
 
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting. 
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. 
Rinse mouth with water. 
Consult a physician.
 
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
 
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment. 
 
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. 
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
 
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. 
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
 
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
 
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. 
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
 
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
 
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles. 
Faceshield (8-inch minimum). 
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
 
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves. 
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. 
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. 
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. 
Wash and dry hands.
 
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
 
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. 
 
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. 
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. 
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. 
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
 
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. 
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product