What are the Applications of PE Wax in Powder Coatings?

  During the film-forming process of powder coatings, when the coating film cools, PE wax precipitates from the coating liquid, forms fine particles, and floats on the surface of the coating film, playing roles in texturing, matting, smoothing, and scratch resistance; various patterns can be obtained by appropriately selecting micro-powder wax and coating systems.

Effects of Micropowder Wax:

1. Texturing and Matting: When the coating film cools, wax particles precipitate from the coating liquid and migrate to the surface, creating patterns and matting effects. In powder coatings, different micropowder waxes reduce gloss to varying degrees, allowing selection based on gloss requirements. Adding 1% micropowder wax can reduce 60° gloss by 5–15 units.

2. Scratch, Abrasion, Polishing, and Mark Resistance: Fine polyethylene wax particles exist as dispersed particles on the coating surface, reducing the friction coefficient. This makes objects sliding more likely than scratching when contacting the coating, mitigating friction-induced polishing and maintaining low gloss durability. Adding 0.5–1% can lower the dynamic friction coefficient of the coating from 0.35 to 0.25. Additionally, when objects contact coated products, they may leave black marks; polyethylene wax reduces this tendency or makes marks easier to wipe off.

3. Impact on Pigment Dispersion: Micropowder wax enhances wetting and dispersion of pigment agglomerates, increasing pigment tinting strength. Adding 0.5–3% can improve tinting strength by 10–30%.

4. Impact on Extrusion Output: Micropowder wax reduces screw torque; adding 1% can increase extruder yield by 5–25%.

5. Smoothness and Texture: Polyethylene wax imparts excellent texture to the coating film.

6. Water Resistance: Wax-containing coatings exhibit better hydrophobicity.

7. Substrate Wetting: Precipitated wax particles help release gas adsorbed on porous substrates.

    Growing attention is paid to waxes with multifunctional property combinations. The influence of waxes on curing systems and subsequent coating modification has also aroused great interest. Powder coating customers are welcome to contact us for samples and consultations!