Lubrication Mechanism of High-Density Oxidized Polyethylene Wax

    During the molding and processing of polymer materials, there exist two types of friction: internal friction between molten polymer molecules and external friction between the polymer melt and the surface of processing equipment. Internal friction increases the melt flow viscosity of the polymer, reducing its fluidity and, in severe cases, leading to overheating and aging of the material. External friction causes adhesion between the polymer melt and processing equipment or other contact surfaces, with friction coefficients increasing significantly as temperature rises. For PVC, especially rigid PVC, lubricants must be added to ensure proper processing.

    Qihong's high-density oxidized polyethylene wax OA9 is an excellent lubricant. It contains functional groups (carboxylic acids and ester groups) that improve compatibility with PVC during melting, enabling uniform dispersion when blended with fillers and various additives. Additionally, high-density oxidized polyethylene wax provides efficient lubrication through the following mechanisms:

(1) Internal Lubrication – Plasticization Mechanism
    To reduce friction between polymer molecules (i.e., internal friction), high-density oxidized polyethylene wax with improved compatibility with the polymer is added. During production and processing, wax molecules intercalate between PVC molecular chains like plasticizers, slightly weakening intermolecular attractive forces. This allows molecular chains to slide and rotate more easily during polymer deformation, thereby reducing internal friction, lowering melt viscosity, increasing fluidity, and facilitating plasticization.

(2) External Lubrication – Interfacial Lubrication Mechanism
    During PVC processing, high-density oxidized polyethylene wax can migrate from the interior of the polymer to the surface and align directionally at the interface. Polar groups bond to metal surfaces through physical adsorption or chemical bonding, while the hydrophobic ends of the wax molecules attached to the molten polymer surface bind with the polymer. This forms a lubricant molecular layer (i.e., a lubricating interface) between the molten polymer and processing equipment or molds. This layer isolates the polymer melt from the processing equipment, preventing material adhesion to the equipment. The viscosity of the lubricating interface film affects its adhesion to metal processing equipment and the polymer: an appropriately high viscosity enhances adhesion, forming a stable interface film with superior isolation and lubrication efficiency.

Related Product：High-Density Oxidized Polyethylene Wax OA9