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PE Wax Grade Selection Matrix: Drop Point, Acid Value, and Melt Viscosity Explained
Key Takeaways
- Drop point shows heat resistance; acid value shows polarity; melt viscosity shows flow and how long the wax stays at surfaces.
- Density and hardness (penetration) indicate crystallinity and surface durability.
- Match polarity to your polymer, viscosity to your process, and drop point to storage and service temperature.
- Download the Viscowax datasheet to compare grades against the matrix below.
A PE wax datasheet is full of numbers, but only a few decide how a grade will perform in your process. Understanding them turns grade selection from guesswork into engineering.
The Key Properties
Drop point
Drop point is the temperature at which wax changes from solid to a flowing liquid under test conditions. It indicates heat resistance and, indirectly, molecular weight and crystallinity. Higher drop point waxes resist softening and give better blocking resistance. Lower drop point waxes melt and disperse more easily at lower processing temperatures.
Acid value
Acid value, in mg KOH per gram, shows how many polar acid groups the wax carries. Non-oxidized wax has a value near zero. Oxidized wax has a measurable value, and a higher number means greater polarity. This governs compatibility with polar polymers such as PVC, interaction with pigments and fillers, and the ability to be emulsified for water-based systems.
Melt viscosity
Melt viscosity, usually in mPa·s at a stated temperature, reflects molecular weight and flow behavior. Low-viscosity grades blend and wet out quickly and act more like internal lubricants. Higher-viscosity grades stay at surfaces longer, boost external lubrication and scratch resistance, but need better mixing.
Density and hardness
Higher-density waxes are more crystalline and harder, giving better abrasion resistance and slip. Hardness, often reported as a penetration number, matters in coatings, polishes and inks where surface durability counts.
Quick Selection Matrix
| Application need | Drop point | Acid value | Melt viscosity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rigid PVC external lubrication | Medium to high | Low to medium | Medium to high |
| Rigid PVC with filler dispersion | Medium | Medium to high | Low to medium |
| Masterbatch and pigment dispersion | Medium | Low to medium | Low |
| Hot melt adhesives | Medium to high | Low | Low to medium |
| Inks and coatings (solid wax particles) | High | Low | Not applicable |
| Water-based emulsions | Medium | High | Low to medium |
These ranges are general guidance. Confirm against the datasheet and your own trials.
How to Use the Numbers
- Define the job: lubrication, dispersion, slip, release or rub protection.
- Pick polarity: acid value should suit your polymer or system.
- Pick viscosity to match processing temperature and mixing capability.
- Check drop point against storage, processing and end-use temperatures.
- Run a small trial matrix of two or three grades in your own equipment.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing by price alone.
- Ignoring acid value in polar systems such as PVC.
- Comparing viscosity numbers measured at different temperatures.
Where to Start with Viscowax
Viscowax spans non-oxidized PE waxes, oxidized PE waxes, EVA waxes, oxidized EVA waxes, maleic anhydride grafted PE waxes, ethylene-alpha-olefin wax and polypropylene waxes. Listed applications include PVC lubrication, nucleation, masterbatch dispersion and colour yield, coatings and inks, hotmelts, cable compounds, emulsions, release agents and bitumen modification.
Download the Datasheet
Go to the Viscowax page, click "View Datasheet" and fill in the short form. Send us your formulation and we will shortlist grades for trial.
