POLYWAX Polyethylenes

Release: BPPD 10-1 Chemical Nature and Physical Properties Baker Petrolite Polymers Division (BPPD) POLYWAX polyethylenes are fully saturated homopolymers of ethylene that have high degrees of linearity and crystallinity. These synthetic waxes have narrow molecular weight distributions and, consequently, narrow melt distributions. They also have low melt viscosities and are hard, even at elevated temperatures. Because POLYWAX polyethylenes are fully saturated, they exhibit excellent heat stability and resistance to chemical attack. Typical Properties
Molecular Weight, Mn Polydispersity, Mw / Mn Density, g/cc @ 77F (25C) Viscosity, cP @ 300F (149C) Melting Point, F (C) Penetration, 0.1 mm @ 77F (25C)

Test Method POLYWAX 400 POLYWAX 500 POLYWAX 600 POLYWAX 655 POLYWAX 725 POLYWAX 850 POLYWAX 1000 POLYWAX 2000 POLYWAX 3000

GPC 450 500 600 655 725 850 1000 2000 3000 1.08 1.08 1.08 1.08 1.08 1.08 1.08 1.10 1.10

ASTM ASTM D-792 (mod.) D-88 (mod.) 0.93 4 0.93 5 0.94 6 0.94 6 0.95 7 0.96 13 0.96 15 0.97 50 0.98 130

ASTM D-127 178 (81) 190 (88) 202 (94) 211 (99) 218 (104) 225 (107) 235 (113) 259 (126) 265 (129)

ASTM D-1321 10.0 6.5 3.0 2.0 1.5 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5

Solubility Characteristics POLYWAX polyethylenes are insoluble in all solvent systems at room temperature. The narrow molecular weight distribution and absence of branching in these products reduces their solubility in organic solvents, even at elevated temperatures. They are most soluble in: aromatics such as benzene, xylene and toluene cyclic and bicyclic saturated hydrocarbons such as decalin and cyclohexane tri- and tetrachloro substituted methanes and ethanes such as carbon tetrachloride Solubility tends to increase with increased temperature in all the above cases. POLYWAX polyethylenes may be dispersed in organic solvents or oils in concentrations up to about 20% by dissolving the polyethylene in heated solvent then cooling with agitation. A fine dispersion of particles or a gel type suspension results. This allows these waxes to be added to ink and coating formulations or used as mold release agents.

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POLYWAX Polyethylenes,
Thermal Properties

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Due to their high crystallinity, POLYWAX polyethylenes have relatively high heats of fusion. This means that they have the ability to store a considerable amount of heat energy during the transition from solid to liquid. In addition, due to the narrow molecular weight distribution of the POLYWAX polyethylenes, the transition from one phase to another occurs over a very narrow temperature range.

Typical DSC of POLYWAX 1000 Polyethylene Homopolymer

Melt Point/Heat of Fusion vs. Molecular Weight for POLYWAX Polyethylenes

Features and Benefits The Baker Petrolite Polymers Division proprietary POLYWAX polyethylene manufacturing process yields materials that provide benefits that are unique and quite distinct from other synthetic or petroleum based waxes. The manufacturing process can be controlled to the extent that the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution are consistently achieved for all of the herein described POLYWAX polyethylene products. Products can also be custom produced with molecular weights intermediate to those of the POLYWAX polyethylenes described in the above table. Features High crystallinity Benefits - Low solubility in solvents - Hardness at elevated temperatures - Oil thickening capability - Formulating flexibility - Low melt viscosity - Narrow melt range - Resistance to chemical attack - Excellent heat stability

Controlled molecular weight and narrow polydispersity Fully linear and fully saturated Applications

POLYWAX polyethylenes have been used as performance additives in a wide range of industrial applications for a considerable number of years. Plastics Additives POLYWAX polyethylenes have been used to improve and enhance process parameters and finished product properties in a variety of applications in the plastics industry: highly effective nucleating agents and bead coating agents in expandable polystyrene processing, leading to the production of world-class finished products

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flow modifiers, lubricants and release agents at usage levels of 0.5 to 5% providing improved processing of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and other thermoplastics superior anti-blocking agents that may be added internally and/or externally in thermoplastic elastomer processing applications the performance ingredient in water-based and solvent-based mold release agents for the processing of polyurethane foam and other plastics lubricants and release agents for engineering resins Ink, Imaging and Coating Applications Highly attractive results have been observed in ink, coating and digital imaging applications after the addition of POLYWAX polyethylenes at low concentrations: improved rub and mar resistance and slip characteristics may be secured by addition of 0.5 to 2% micronized POLYWAX polyethylenes to lithographic and flexographic inks improved flattening that is not subject to over-grinding may be obtained using POLYWAX polyethylene concentrations of about 3% because of its excellent resistance to solvents, micronized POLYWAX 2000 has been used to provide excellent slip and rub properties in highly aggressive solvent systems such as publication gravure printing systems improved slip characteristics may be achieved in stir-in ink applications where POLYWAX polyethylenes can be used as substitutes for PTFE in dry toner applications POLYWAX polyethylenes act as anti-offset agents when applied via heat fixation, or softening point modifiers when applied via pressure fixation because of their hardness and narrow melt distribution, POLYWAX polyethylenes are used as performance enhancing additives in thermal transfer ink and hot melt ink-jet applications POLYWAX polyethylenes have improved the leveling and slip of polyester powder coatings at concentrations of 0.75 to 2% Performance Additives for Hot Melt Adhesives and Coatings POLYWAX polyethylenes have been used to enhance the properties of hot melt adhesives: POLYWAX polyethylenes can be used to lower the viscosity of hot melt formulations and, at the same time, increase the softening point POLYWAX polyethylenes can cause a seeding effect in the hot melt formulation causing crystallization of the adhesive on the substrate to occur more readily POLYWAX polyethylenes can be used at low concentrations to significantly raise the solidification point of a hot melt formulation POLYWAX polyethylenes are a performance ingredient in temporary and permanent anti-corrosion hot melt dip coatings for automobile applications Applications as Phase Change Materials The exceptional thermal properties of POLYWAX polyethylenes may be exploited in a number of ways: Because of their precise melt point and narrow melt distribution, POLYWAX polyethylenes are used as the performance ingredient in the manufacture of automotive thermostats

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The relatively high heat of fusion of POLYWAX polyethylenes leads to their being most useful in the production of food warming jackets Improving the Properties of Cable Fill Compounds POLYWAX polyethylenes are used as the performance additive in high sag point polyisobutene-based cable fill compounds for fibre optic cables POLYWAX polyethylenes exhibit efficacy in mineral oil and petrolatum-based cable fill compounds, having outstanding properties with regard to oil bleed and dimensional stability Improving the Properties of Lower Grade Paraffin Waxes The properties and value of lower grade paraffin waxes may be significantly improved by the addition of small amounts of POLYWAX polyethylenes: higher hardness and higher melting point may be achieved with minimal effect on melt viscosity and cloud point surface oil bleed may be reduced, block and pick points raised and abrasion resistance improved

FDA Status POLYWAX 500, 655, 850, and 1000 polyethylenes meet the quality requirements of the US FDA as specified in 21 CFR 172.888 and 21 CFR 178.3720. POLYWAX 2000 and 3000 polyethylenes meet the quality requirements of the US FDA as specified in 21 CFR 177.1520(c) (2.1)-(2.3). The POLYWAX polyethylenes that meet the requirements in 21 CFR 178.3720 may also be used in adjuvant substances in polyolefins regulated by 21 CFR 177.1520.

Product Forms POLYWAX polyethylenes are available in the conventional prill form. They are also available in the micronized form in sizes 6, 10, 20, 60 and 120 micron.

POLYWAX polyethylenes are commercially available from Baker Petrolite Polymers Division. POLYWAX is a trademark of Baker Hughes Incorporated.
The information and recommendations contained herein are believed to be accurate and reliable as of the date hereof; however we do not warrant or represent their accuracy or reliability. Disclaimer of Liability: Baker Petrolite Corporation (BPC) warrants to purchaser, but no third parties or others, the specifications for the product shall fall within a generally recognized range for typical physical properties established by BPC when the product departs BPC's point of origin and that any services shall only be performed in accordance with applicable written work documents. BPC MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING NO IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, REGARDING ANY SERVICES PERFORMED OR PRODUCT SUPPLIED. BPC will give purchaser the benefit of BPC's best judgement in making interpretations of data, but does not guarantee the accuracy or correctness of such interpretations. BPC's recommendations contained herein are advisory only and without representations as to the results. BPC shall not be liable for any indirect, special, punitive, exemplary or consequential damages or losses from any cause whatsoever including but not limited to its negligence. 2002 Baker Hughes Incorporated All rights reserved. BP0105 (8/01)