Industrial-grade 99% Polyethylene Oxidized 68441-17-8

 What is Polyethylene Oxidized? How does it work?

Oxidized polyethylene (OPEW), also known as oxidized polyethylene wax, is a waxy polymer obtained by oxidizing polyethylene to introduce oxygen-containing functional groups. Its CAS number is 68441-17-8. It is a white to pale yellow flaky, powdery, or micro-powdered wax. The molecular chain is mainly composed of long methylene chains with oxygen-containing groups such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, ester, and ketone groups. Its acid value is generally about 15-40 mg KOH/g, and its dropping point is about 95-140℃. It is insoluble in water and has good waxy feel, lubricity, and emulsifurability. Due to the polar surface properties brought by its polar functional groups, the lubricating migration properties of low molecular weight waxes, and its saponifiable emulsifurability, industrial-grade oxidized polyethylene is widely used as a lubricant in plastic processing, a coating and ink additive, a water-based wax emulsion, a masterbatch dispersant, a rubber additive, a hot melt adhesive additive, a candle, a metal processing lubricant, and a building material release agent.

Basic information : Chinese name: Oxidized polyethylene (Oxidized polyethylene wax); English name: Polyethylene, Oxidized, Oxidized polyethylene, Oxidized polyethylene wax, OPEW; CAS number: 68441-17-8; Food grade specification: E914; No fixed chemical formula (a polymer mixture with repeating unit −CH2−CH2− as the main chain and some methylene groups oxidized to oxygen-containing groups); Molecular weight varies depending on the grade, usually a low molecular weight wax (approximately 1000-5000 g/mol); Aliases: Oxidized polyethylene wax, OPE wax, polyethylene wax oxide, oxidized PE wax, etc.

Structurally , oxidized polyethylene uses the long-chain methylene backbone of polyethylene as its framework. Some methylene groups (−CH2−) on the backbone are oxidized into oxygen-containing functional groups such as carboxyl groups (−COOH), hydroxyl groups (−OH), ester groups (−COO−), and ketone groups (−C=O), with carboxyl groups being the main oxidation product. The polar groups introduced at the chain ends or in the chain give the originally non-polar polyethylene molecules reactive, saponifiable, and emulsifiable active sites, while retaining the inherent crystallinity, chemical resistance, and waxy consistency of the long polyethylene chain. Different grades exhibit different consistencies and polarities, ranging from soft wax to hard wax, due to differences in oxygen content (acid value) and molecular weight.

Physically , oxidized polyethylene is a white to pale yellow waxy solid, usually in flake, powder, or micro-powder form; its acid value is generally about 15-40 mg KOH/g (depending on the grade); its dropping point is about 95-140℃; its hardness and softening point vary with molecular weight and degree of oxidation; its density is about 0.92-0.96 g/cm³; it is insoluble in water but soluble in hot aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, and mineral oils; when heated to the melt, it has low viscosity and good fluidity; at room temperature, it is a solid wax with good luster and waxy feel.

Chemically , oxidized polyethylene is a polar wax with carboxyl groups: the carboxyl groups can be neutralized with alkali to form salts (saponification), esterified with alcohols, and amidated with amines, making it possible to emulsify it into an aqueous dispersion. It can also form affinity and bonding with polar surfaces such as metal oxides and pigments. The main chain methylene backbone is chemically stable, resistant to acids, alkalis, and solvents, and has good thermal stability. It has a low molecular weight and low melt viscosity, and is easy to migrate to the surface during polymer processing and coating formation to form a lubricating, hydrophobic, and wear-resistant surface layer.

Why does oxidized polyethylene play these roles in various industrial fields? Its mechanism of action mainly includes the following:

Polar functional group mechanism : Polar groups such as carboxyl and hydroxyl groups on the main chain enable oxidized polyethylene to have an affinity for polar surfaces such as metals, glass, pigments, and fillers. It can anchor at polar interfaces and improve compatibility, which is the basis for its use as a dispersant and adhesion promoter in polar systems.

Wax-based lubrication and migration mechanism : Low molecular weight waxes have low melt viscosity and short molecular chains, which makes them easy to migrate to the surface of molds and products during polymer processing, forming a continuous lubricating film and reducing friction and demolding resistance. This is the basis for their use as lubricants and release agents in plastic and rubber processing.

Saponifiable emulsification mechanism : Carboxyl groups can be neutralized with alkali to form soap, and dispersed in water with the help of emulsifiers to form a stable oil-in-water wax emulsion. This allows water-insoluble waxes to be used in water-based formulations for leather, textiles and surface care, which is the basis for its use as a water-based wax emulsion.

Surface film formation mechanism : Oxidized polyethylene accumulates on the surface of coatings or products and forms a microcrystalline wax layer, which gives the surface a smooth, hydrophobic, wear-resistant and anti-blocking property, while reducing the surface gloss to form a matte effect. This is the basis for its use as an additive in coatings and inks and a polishing wax.

Carboxyl group reactivity mechanism : Carboxyl groups can undergo esterification, amidation and neutralization reactions, which can be used to incorporate oxidized polyethylene into resins, graft polymers or make derivatives. They can also react with metal ions to improve the binding with inorganic fillers. This is the chemical basis for its use as a functional additive and modified raw material.

II. All uses of industrial-grade Polyethylene Oxidized

1. PVC and Plastics Processing Aids (Plastics Processing Industry)

Corresponding products: PVC pipe external lubricant, PVC profile processing lubricant, wire and cable material lubricant, plastic release agent, color masterbatch dispersant, filler masterbatch lubricant, engineering plastic processing aid, plastic surface slip agent, etc.

Why it can be used in this way: Oxidized polyethylene has low melt viscosity and short molecular chains. In the processing of plastics such as PVC, it migrates to the surface of molds and products to form a lubricating film, reducing the friction and adhesion between the melt and the processing equipment, and playing a role in external lubrication and demolding. Its polar groups are compatible with pigments and fillers, which can improve the dispersion of pigments in masterbatches. It is a general-purpose additive in plastic processing that has both lubrication and dispersion functions.

2. Coating additives (coating industry)

Corresponding products: coating matting agents, anti-settling agents, scratch-resistant additives, surface smoothing agents, anti-blocking agents, hydrophobic additives, water-based coating wax additives, powder coating additives, etc.

Why it can be used for this purpose: Oxidized polyethylene micro powder accumulates on the surface during the coating drying process to form a microcrystalline wax layer, which reduces the surface gloss and obtains a matte effect. At the same time, it improves the smoothness, scratch resistance and hydrophobicity of the coating, and prevents the coating from sticking together. It is a commonly used surface additive for solvent-based, water-based and powder coatings.

3. Printing ink additives (ink industry)

Corresponding products: abrasion resistant additives, anti-blocking agents, slip agents, varnishing wax additives, gravure/flexographic ink additives, composite ink additives, and surface treatment waxes for printed materials, etc.

Why it works for this purpose: Oxidized polyethylene forms a wax layer on the surface of the ink film, which reduces the coefficient of friction, improves the abrasion and scratch resistance of the printed surface, reduces the adhesion of printed materials when stacked, and improves the smooth feel of the printed materials. It is a commonly used abrasion-resistant additive for printing inks and varnishes.

4. Water-based wax emulsions and surface care products (home/automotive care industry)

Corresponding products: floor wax, car polish wax, furniture care wax, leather care lotion, wood care wax, stone care lotion, general surface care wax, etc.

Why it can be used in this way: The carboxyl groups of oxidized polyethylene can be saponified and dispersed in water by emulsifiers to form a stable water-based wax emulsion. After application, the water evaporates and the wax particles form a film, forming a glossy, waterproof, and wear-resistant protective film on floors, car paint surfaces, furniture, and leather surfaces. It is the core film-forming component of home and car care wax products.

5. Leather finishing and textile finishing auxiliaries (leather/textile industry)

Corresponding products: leather finishing agents, leather top coats, textile softeners, fabric waterproofing agents, yarn lubricants, non-woven fabric treatment agents, etc.

Why it can be used for this purpose: Oxidized polyethylene water-based wax emulsion can penetrate into the surface of leather and fabric and form a film, giving leather a coating of gloss, water resistance and abrasion resistance, and giving fabric a soft, smooth and certain water-resistant effect. At the same time, it acts as a lubricant in spinning to reduce yarn breakage. It is a commonly used auxiliary agent in leather and textile processing.

6. Rubber processing aids (rubber industry)

Corresponding products: rubber release agents, rubber internal lubricants, mixing aids, rubber processing aids, tire molding lubricants, rubber product surface treatment agents, etc.

Why it can be used in this way: Oxidized polyethylene migrates to the surface of the mold and the product during the rubber mixing and molding process to form a lubricating film, which reduces the adhesion between the rubber and the mold, facilitates demolding, and improves the flowability of the rubber. Its polar groups have good compatibility with rubber and fillers, making it a commonly used lubricant and demolding aid in rubber processing.

7. Hot melt adhesives and adhesive additives (adhesive industry)

Corresponding products: hot melt adhesive viscosity reducers, hot melt adhesive open time regulators, adhesive anti-caking agents, EVA hot melt adhesive wax components, packaging hot melt adhesive additives, bookbinding hot melt adhesive additives, etc.

Why it can be used in this application: Oxidized polyethylene is compatible with the main resin of hot melt adhesive, which can adjust the melt viscosity and open time of hot melt adhesive, improve wetting and adhesion properties, prevent adhesive particles from clumping, and improve the heat resistance and waterproof properties of hot melt adhesive. It is a commonly used wax component in hot melt adhesive formulations to adjust processing and application properties.

8. Candle additives (candle industry)

Corresponding products: candle hardener, candle anti-drip agent, candle release agent, column candle additive, scented candle additive, craft candle additive, etc.

Why it can be used for this purpose: Oxidized polyethylene has a high melting point and high hardness. When added to paraffin wax, it can increase the melting point and hardness of the candle, reduce high-temperature collapse, form a stable wax pool during combustion, reduce wax dripping, and improve demolding and surface gloss. It is a commonly used additive in candle formulations to improve hardness and combustion performance.

9. Metalworking Lubricants (Metalworking Industry)

Corresponding products: metal wire drawing lubricant, die casting release agent, metal forming lubricant, stamping lubricant, aluminum profile extrusion lubricant, metal surface anti-rust wax, etc.

Why it can be used in this application: Oxidized polyethylene has good affinity and spreadability on metal surfaces, which can form a lubricating film to reduce friction and wear during wire drawing, stamping and extrusion. Its polar groups enhance the adhesion to the metal surface and can be used as a die casting release and metal anti-rust protective wax. It is a water-based or oil-based lubricating component in metal processing.

10 . Concrete and Building Material Release Agents (Building Materials Industry)

Corresponding products: concrete release agent, precast component release agent, formwork lubricant, cement product release wax, building material molding aids, etc.

Why it can be used for this purpose: Oxidized polyethylene is coated on the surface of the template to form a film, forming a low surface energy isolation layer, which makes it easy to demold after the concrete solidifies, and the surface is smooth and clean. At the same time, it reduces the amount of grout sticking to the template and the amount of cleaning work. Its water-based emulsion form is easy to spray and apply, and it is a commonly used release agent for the molding of concrete and precast components.

Summarize

Oxidized polyethylene (CAS 68441-17-8) is a polar wax with a long methylene chain as its main backbone and oxygen-containing functional groups such as carboxyl groups introduced into the chain. Its core properties are wax-based lubrication and migration, saponification and emulsification, surface film formation, and carboxyl group reactivity. Industrially, it is widely used as a lubricant in PVC and plastics processing, an additive in coatings and inks, a water-based wax emulsion and surface care product, a leather and textile finishing agent, a rubber additive, a hot melt adhesive additive, a wax base for candles and cosmetics, a metalworking lubricant, and a mold release agent for building materials. Food-grade (E914) is also used for fruit surface preservation. Understanding its polar functional groups and low molecular weight wax structure explains why it can lubricate and release molds, emulsify wax emulsions, and also provide matte finish, abrasion resistance, waterproofing, and preservation—this is why it is used across plastics, coatings, inks, care products, leather and textiles, rubber, adhesives, candles, metalworking, and building materials.