Technical waxes and special additives are key components in many industrial formulations because they directly influence the workability, stability, surface resistance, and aesthetic appearance of the finished product. In this context, polyethylene waxes, functionalized waxes, and micronized waxes represent a versatile solution for sectors such as coatings, printing inks, adhesives, lacquers, rubber, plastics, and polishing products.
Polyethylene and functionalized waxes for specific applications
Polyethylene wax is a low molecular weight synthetic polymer derived from ethylene. Thanks to its high crystallinity, hardness, and good melting point, it is used as an industrial additive to improve properties such as:
- lubrication
- abrasion resistance
- smoothness
- surface gloss
The main fields of application for LDPE (low-density polyethylene) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) waxes include:
- paints and varnishes
- printing inks
- stickers
- lacquers
- rubber
- plastics
- polishing products
These are complemented by microcrystalline waxes, used in special applications, such as lubricants in the die-casting aluminum manufacturing process.
Eico Novachem polyethylene waxes
Eico Novachem has been operating for over 50 years in the distribution of chemical raw materials and specialties for numerous industrial sectors, with an approach focused on quality, reliability, and technical support.
The range includes products used as process additives, including synthetic waxes with technical characteristics comparable to mountain waxes and solutions suitable for different formulation requirements.
The main grades include:
- Ceralene® 691
- Ceralene® 693
- Ceralene® 694
These solutions are excellent alternatives to montan wax in plastics processing and differ in terms of melting point and acid number.
The range also includes polar copolymers such as:
- Ceralene® CP 15M
- Ceralene® CP 30M
- Ceralene® CP 45M
These products are successfully used as:
- internal lubricants in PVC production
- compatibilizers between polar and non-polar resins (and with fibers/fillers)
- adhesion promoters in hot melt products
- dispersing additives in colored masterbatches (e.g., for PS, PC, and ABS)
In addition, the portfolio is enriched with functionalized and oxidized polyethylene waxes with different acidity levels, such as:
- Viscocer® 816
- Viscocer® 2216
Quality, reliability, and certifications
Eico Novachem operates with a flexible and innovation-oriented approach, offering technical solutions in line with market needs.
Micronized waxes and special additives
Micronized PE waxes and micronized compounds represent a strategic category for improving formulation performance and surface properties in coating systems, inks, and many industrial applications.
This family includes micronized polyethylene waxes from the mju:wax® line, used in particular in the coating sector (paints, industrial varnishes, inks, OPV, and enamels).
Micronized polyethylene wax
The mju:wax® line can be used in:
- water-based systems
- solvent-based systems
- powder coating
- masterbatch
- formulations based on epoxy resins
- polyurethane resin-based formulations
The goal is to improve properties such as:
- abrasion resistance
- formulation stability
- briefs
- opacity and transparency
- tactile effect
- surface behavior of the film
The use of specific products allows us to create a range of high-performance micronized waxes, with stable formulations and distinctive technical properties.
For example:
- mju:wax® 4810 and mju:wax® 8400 are new-generation PP-based compounds that provide high opacity and abrasion resistance while maintaining a high degree of transparency in solvent-based wood coatings; they can also contribute to the stabilization of silica in enamels.
- mju:wax® 2594 and mju:wax® 9524 are compounds for water-based systems that are easy to disperse and, thanks to their polarity and density, offer formulations that are stable over time, good slip, excellent abrasion resistance, excellent opacity/transparency, and a soft, silky feel, particularly suitable for wood coatings, UV enamels, inks, and OPVs.
Oxidized polyethylene waxes and functional additives
To complete the range, the portfolio also includes:
- Viscocer® oxidized polyethylene waxes
- Addimer® functional additives
These products are used in a wide variety of applications in the rubber, plastics, adhesives, and powder coating industries, for example as:
- texturizing additives
- nucleation synergists
- processing aids
Thanks to synergies between production and research & development, we are able to offer high-quality, cost-effective additives designed to meet specific formulation requirements.
If you are developing a new formulation or want to optimize the performance of coatings, inks, adhesives, OPV, or masterbatches, the Eico Novachem team can help you choose the most suitable wax or additive.
What is the difference between polyethylene waxes and micronized waxes?
Polyethylene waxes indicate the chemical family of the product (PE), while micronized waxes identify the shape and particle size. A micronized PE wax is therefore a polyethylene wax processed for applications where particle size is crucial, such as coatings and inks.
Are mju:wax® micronized waxes compatible with water-based formulations?
Yes, the mju:wax® line includes grades that can be used in water-based systems, as well as solvent and powder coating systems. Compatibility must always be verified based on the binder and additive package of the specific formulation.
When should you use a functionalized or oxidized polyethylene wax?
Functionalized and oxidized waxes are useful when, in addition to the lubricating effect, it is necessary to improve compatibility, dispersion, or interaction with the formulation system (for example, in masterbatches, adhesives, or technical coatings).
In which sectors are polyethylene waxes used?
Polyethylene waxes are used in paints and varnishes, printing inks, adhesives, lacquers, rubber, plastics, and polishing products.