Oxidized Polyethylene Wax (OPE)

Oxidized polyethylene wax is a high melting point lubricant, and the complex oxidation process makes OPE have hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, making it compatible with PVC. Unoxidized parts of polyethylene migrate to the surface to provide metal stripping because of weak polarity.


Product Description

Shitong Oxidized Polyethylene Wax is a high-molecular-weight, high-viscosity polyethylene wax produced through a controlled oxidation process. The introduction of polar functional groups, including carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, improves its compatibility with PVC, pigments, fillers and other polar materials.

Also known as OPE Wax or oxidized PE wax, the product combines lubrication, metal release, dispersion and processing assistance. It is suitable for rigid PVC products, plastic processing, masterbatch, coatings, wax emulsions and other industrial formulations.


Oxidized Polyethylene Wax Specifications


PropertyUnitValue
Appearance/White powder
Densityg/cm³0.97-0.99
ViscosityCp.s /150℃55000-65000
Acid ValueMg KOH/g26-29
Drop Point138-145
Penetration Index-<0.5



Key Features of Oxidized Polyethylene Wax


High Viscosity and High Drop Point

This Oxidized Polyethylene Wax has a viscosity of 55,000–65,000 cps at 150°C and a drop point of 138–145°C. These properties make it suitable for formulations that require good thermal resistance, controlled migration and stable lubrication under elevated processing temperatures.

Improved Compatibility with PVC

The oxidation process introduces polar groups into the polyethylene wax structure. These groups improve compatibility with PVC and other polar formulation components, while the polyethylene portion contributes lubrication and metal release.

Oxidized polyethylene waxes are commonly used as processing lubricants in rigid and plasticized PVC applications. The specific internal and external lubrication balance depends on the wax grade, acid value, molecular weight and formulation. Lubrication and Metal Release

OPE Wax helps reduce adhesion between polymer melts and metal processing surfaces. It can improve material release from screws, barrels, dies and calendering equipment while supporting more stable processing.

Pigment and Filler Dispersion

The polar structure of oxidized PE wax helps improve the wetting and distribution of pigments, calcium carbonate and other fillers. Better dispersion can contribute to more uniform color, smoother surfaces and consistent product performance.

Good Thermal Stability

The high drop point helps the product maintain its effectiveness during PVC extrusion, calendering, compounding and other high-temperature processing operations.

Improved Surface Quality

When used at an appropriate dosage, Oxidized Polyethylene Wax can help improve surface smoothness, gloss and product appearance while reducing sticking and surface defects.


Main Applications of Oxidized Polyethylene Wax


Rigid PVC Profiles and Pipes

Oxidized Polyethylene Wax can be used in PVC profiles, pipes, sheets, fittings, wall panels and other rigid PVC products.

Its main functions may include:

  • Improving fusion and processing balance

  • Reducing adhesion to metal equipment

  • Supporting smoother extrusion

  • Improving surface appearance

  • Enhancing pigment and filler dispersion

  • Reducing processing instability

The appropriate dosage should be determined according to the PVC resin, stabilizer system, filler level, processing equipment and required fusion time.

PVC Foam Boards and WPC Products

In PVC foam board and wood-plastic composite formulations, OPE Wax can help balance lubrication, improve filler distribution and support stable material flow.

It may also help reduce plate-out and improve the surface quality of extruded products when properly combined with other internal and external lubricants.

PVC Calendered Sheets and Films

High-viscosity Oxidized Polyethylene Wax can provide processing support in PVC calendering applications. It may help control material release, reduce sticking to rollers and improve the uniformity of the finished sheet.

Certain commercial oxidized polyethylene wax grades are specifically used in PVC sheet extrusion and calendering because of their high viscosity and compatibility. Color and Filler Masterbatch

OPE Wax can be used as a dispersing and processing additive in color masterbatch and filler masterbatch.

Its polar groups help wet pigments and fillers, while its wax structure assists melt flow and processing. It can be used with:

  • Organic pigments

  • Inorganic pigments

  • Carbon black

  • Calcium carbonate

  • Talc

  • Functional mineral fillers

Coatings and Printing Inks

Oxidized Polyethylene Wax may be added to coatings and ink formulations to improve surface properties, scratch resistance, rub resistance, matting or dispersion.

The appropriate particle size and wax form should be selected according to whether the product is used directly, micronized or prepared as a wax dispersion.

Wax Emulsions

The carboxyl groups in OPE Wax make it more suitable for emulsification than conventional non-oxidized PE Wax.

Oxidized polyethylene wax emulsions can be used in:

  • Textile finishing

  • Paper and packaging coatings

  • Leather treatment

  • Floor care products

  • Water-based coatings

  • Release-agent formulations

Hot Melt Adhesives

OPE Wax may be used as a viscosity and processing modifier in selected hot melt adhesive formulations. It can help control melt behavior, thermal performance and compatibility with polar formulation components.

Compatibility testing should be completed before commercial production.


Oxidized Polyethylene Wax vs. PE Wax


Oxidized Polyethylene Wax and standard PE Wax have similar polyethylene backbones, but oxidation introduces polar functional groups into OPE Wax.

ComparisonOxidized Polyethylene WaxStandard PE Wax
Common NameOPE WaxPE Wax
PolarityHigherLow
Acid ValueMeasurable and generally higherVery low
PVC CompatibilityBetter compatibility with polar systemsMainly provides external lubrication
EmulsificationEasier to emulsifyMore difficult to emulsify
Main FunctionsLubrication, dispersion, compatibility and releaseExternal lubrication, release and flow improvement
Typical ApplicationsPVC, coatings, wax emulsions and masterbatchPVC, masterbatch, hot melt adhesives and rubber

For applications requiring better compatibility with PVC, pigments or polar materials, Oxidized Polyethylene Wax is generally more suitable. Standard PE Wax is often selected when stronger non-polar external lubrication and release performance are required.


Why Choose Shitong as Your Oxidized Polyethylene Wax Manufacturer?


Shandong Shitong Polymer Materials Co., Ltd. supplies polymer processing additives for PVC, rubber, plastic and other industrial applications.

Our Oxidized Polyethylene Wax offers:

  • Stable acid value and viscosity

  • High drop point

  • Good PVC compatibility

  • Lubrication and release performance

  • Pigment and filler dispersion

  • Controlled product specifications

  • Technical selection support

  • Bulk order supply

Customers can provide their polymer type, formulation, equipment, processing temperature and performance requirements. Our technical team will assist with OPE Wax selection and application evaluation.


FAQ-Oxidized Polyethylene Wax


What is Oxidized Polyethylene Wax?

Oxidized Polyethylene Wax is a modified polyethylene wax produced through controlled oxidation. The process introduces carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, increasing the polarity and compatibility of the wax.

What does OPE Wax mean?

OPE Wax is the common abbreviation for Oxidized Polyethylene Wax. It may also be called oxidized PE wax or oxidized polyethylene wax powder.

What is Oxidized Polyethylene Wax used for?

OPE Wax is commonly used in PVC profiles, pipes, sheets, foam boards, masterbatch, coatings, printing inks, wax emulsions and plastic processing formulations.

Is Oxidized Polyethylene Wax an internal lubricant?

OPE Wax can provide both compatibility-related internal lubrication and surface-related external lubrication. Its actual lubrication behavior depends on its molecular weight, acid value, oxidation level and the complete PVC formulation.

It is more accurate to describe it as a PVC processing lubricant with internal and external lubrication characteristics rather than only an internal lubricant.

What is the difference between OPE Wax and PE Wax?

OPE Wax contains polar oxygen-containing groups and therefore has better compatibility with PVC and other polar materials. Standard PE Wax has lower polarity and is mainly used for external lubrication, release and flow improvement.

Can OPE Wax improve pigment dispersion?

Yes. Its polar groups can improve the wetting and dispersion of pigments and mineral fillers, helping produce more uniform colors and consistent product quality.

Can you provide technical documents?

Shitong can provide available product specifications, technical data, safety documentation and batch-related information according to customer requirements.


Contact Shitong for OPE Wax


Looking for a reliable Oxidized Polyethylene Wax manufacturer or supplier?

Contact Shitong with your application, required specifications, annual demand and packaging requirements. We will provide suitable OPE Wax recommendations, technical information and quotation support.


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