Fischer–Tropsch Wax in Modified Plastics, Masterbatch, and PVC
Fischer–Tropsch (F-T) wax is produced via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis from syngas. It is predominantly paraffinic, with a narrow molecular weight distribution and high purity, making it a common flow modifier, dispersant, and internal/external lubricant in modified plastics, masterbatch, PVC processing, and hot-melt adhesives. This article reviews grade selection and dosing guidelines for F-T wax across different modification systems.
Modified Plastics: Flow Modification and Dispersion
In glass-fiber-reinforced, mineral-filled, and other modification systems, F-T wax improves the dispersion of fillers and pigments, reduces melt viscosity and processing torque, and enhances surface gloss and appearance. Low-molecular-weight F-T wax shows good compatibility with additives and is well suited as a processing flow modifier.
Masterbatch: Pigment Dispersion Carrier
Masterbatch places extremely high demands on pigment dispersion. F-T wax provides excellent pigment wetting, helping pigments disperse uniformly, improving tinting strength and the maximum allowable pigment loading. It is a commonly used dispersion carrier wax in masterbatch systems, often used together with polyethylene wax.
PVC Processing: Internal/External Lubrication
Oxidized F-T wax contains polar carboxyl groups, offering better compatibility with PVC. As an internal/external lubricant it lowers processing temperature, improves mold release and surface gloss, and provides better thermal stability than paraffin wax. Oxidized F-T wax grades from Heyee such as HY-105-32 are suitable for high-end PVC applications including pipes, profiles, and sheets.
Hot-Melt Adhesives: Tuning Bonding and Heat Resistance
In EVA, PUR, polyolefin, and other hot-melt adhesive systems, F-T wax tunes open time, bond strength, and heat resistance. High-melting-point grades such as HY-W104 and HY-1000 improve heat resistance and cohesive strength, making them common modification components in hot-melt adhesives.
Typical Application Scenarios
- Modified plastics flow modification
- Masterbatch dispersion carrier
- PVC internal/external lubrication
- Hot-melt adhesive modification
- Inks and coatings
- Rubber processing
FAQ
What role does Fischer–Tropsch wax play in modified plastics?
As a flow modifier and dispersion aid, F-T wax improves the dispersion of fillers and pigments, reduces melt viscosity and processing torque, and enhances surface gloss. It is commonly used in glass-fiber-reinforced and filled modification systems.
Why is F-T wax used in masterbatch?
Low-molecular-weight F-T wax provides excellent wetting and dispersion of pigments, helping them disperse uniformly, improving tinting strength and the maximum allowable loading. It is a commonly used dispersion carrier wax in masterbatch.
What is the difference between oxidized and regular F-T wax in PVC?
Oxidized F-T wax contains polar carboxyl groups and offers better compatibility with PVC. As an internal/external lubricant it lowers processing temperature and improves mold release and surface gloss, whereas regular F-T wax mainly provides internal lubrication. Oxidized F-T wax grades from Heyee such as HY-105-32 are suitable for high-end PVC applications.
How is F-T wax used in hot-melt adhesives?
F-T wax tunes the open time, bond strength, and heat resistance of hot-melt adhesives. High-melting-point grades such as HY-W104 and HY-1000 are suitable for EVA/PUR/polyolefin systems.
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