[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of polyethylene wax, what is polyethylene wax

Polyethylene wax properties

Polyethylene wax (Polyethylene Wax, PE wax) is a waxy substance obtained from polyethylene by cracking or catalytic synthesis. Its chemical properties mainly depend on its molecular weight and molecular structure. Generally, polyethylene waxes have a high density, a low molecular weight, and a relatively low melting point in the range of about 85-120°C. The molecular weight of polyethylene wax is usually between 1000 and 5000 daltons, which is much lower than that of regular polyethylene, so it has low melt viscosity and good fluidity. Polyethylene wax also has good chemical stability, excellent resistance to acid and alkali and hydrolysis, and also has certain stability to light and heat.

Polyethylene wax use

Due to its unique physical and chemical properties, polyethylene wax has been widely used in many industrial fields. In plastic processing, polyethylene wax is often used as a lubricant and release agent, which can improve processing efficiency and product surface finish. In coatings and inks, polyethylene wax can improve the scratch resistance, abrasion resistance and water resistance of the product. Third, in the rubber industry, polyethylene wax is used as a dispersant and plasticizer to improve the performance of rubber products. Polyethylene wax is also widely used in hot melt adhesives, candles, paper coating and other fields.

Polyethylene wax upstream raw material

The production of polyethylene waxes relies primarily on two upstream feedstocks: petroleum-based feedstocks and vinyl feedstocks. Petroleum-based feedstocks are mainly derived from petroleum cracking by-products, including various low molecular weight hydrocarbons, which can be further refined and cracked to obtain polyethylene waxes. The vinyl raw material mainly comes from the polymerization reaction of ethylene monomer, and polyethylene wax with different molecular weight and structure can be obtained by controlling the polymerization reaction conditions. Because ethylene is an important basic chemical raw material, its production process involves multi-step chemical reactions such as ethylene cracking and refining, so the production cost and quality of polyethylene wax are also closely related to these upstream processes.

Polyethylene Wax Downstream Applications

The downstream applications of polyethylene wax cover multiple industries and fields. In plastic processing, polyethylene wax is used as a lubricant to reduce processing temperature, increase production efficiency, and improve the surface quality of products. In the field of coatings and inks, the addition of polyethylene wax to the formula can significantly improve the scratch resistance and abrasion resistance of the product, while also helping to improve the gloss and adhesion of the product. In the rubber industry, polyethylene wax is used as a dispersant and plasticizer to improve the flexibility and durability of rubber products. Other applications include hot melt adhesives, candles, paper coating, textile auxiliaries, etc., each of which relies on the specific physical and chemical properties of the polyethylene wax.

Polyethylene wax production process

The production process of polyethylene wax mainly includes thermal cracking method and catalytic polymerization method. The thermal cracking method is to obtain low molecular weight polyethylene wax by cracking polyethylene at high temperature, and the wax produced by this method has a wide molecular weight distribution. The principle of catalytic polymerization is that polyethylene wax with a specific molecular weight and structure can be obtained by polymerizing ethylene monomer under the action of a catalyst and controlling the polymerization conditions (such as temperature, pressure, type of catalyst, etc.). The two processes have their own advantages and disadvantages. The production cost of thermal cracking method is lower, but the product quality is not as stable as that of catalytic polymerization method, while catalytic polymerization method can produce high quality polyethylene wax, but the cost is higher.

Polyethylene wax storage method

The storage of polyethylene wax requires attention to environmental conditions and protective measures. Polyethylene wax should be stored in a dry, ventilated and cool warehouse, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature environment to prevent product deterioration and performance degradation. Contact with acids, alkalis, oxidants and other chemicals should be avoided to prevent chemical reactions. Storage containers should be well sealed to prevent moisture and contamination. The warehouse shall be equipped with appropriate fire fighting equipment to prevent fire risk. For large-scale storage, product quality should also be checked regularly to ensure that it does not change during storage.

POLYETHYLENE WAX MARKET PROSPECT

With the continuous development of the global economy and the increasing demand for high-performance materials in various industries, the market demand for polyethylene wax has also shown a steady growth trend. Especially in the plastic processing, coating, ink, rubber and other industries, the demand for high-quality polyethylene wax is increasing. With the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, polyethylene wax, as a non-toxic and environmentally friendly material, is gradually favored by the market. In the future, with the advancement of technology and the continuous optimization of production processes, the production cost of polyethylene wax is expected to be further reduced, and the market competitiveness will continue to increase.

Conclusion

As an important industrial material, polyethylene wax has unique physical and chemical properties and plays an important role in many industries. Its upstream raw materials are mainly from petroleum and ethylene, which are produced by thermal cracking and catalytic polymerization. Polyethylene wax is widely used in plastic processing, coating, ink, rubber and other fields, and its market prospect is very broad. For the storage of polyethylene wax, it is necessary to pay attention to environmental conditions and protective measures to ensure the stability of its quality and performance. In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology, polyethylene wax will continue to play an important role in various fields.