Micronized waxes cover a wide variety: Transparent, high‑gloss, high‑hardness Carnauba waxes; Smooth‑feeling and cost‑effective Fischer‑Tropsch waxes; PE waxes — offering not only smoothness and economy but also a soft texture and pleasant tactile feel; PP waxes — matte, hard, abrasion resistant; Scratch‑ and abrasion‑resistant Polyamide waxes; PTFE waxes — characterized by its smoothness, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, and high‑temperature stability; and PE/PTFE waxes, which combines smoothness with resistance to scratches and abrasion.
Their fine particle size, easy dispersion, and compatibility with solvent/water systems make them a long‑time favourite among paint manufacturers. (Note: While application methods are broadly similar, some types need specific precautions — contact us for detailed guidelines.)
General application methods for micronized waxes
The following guidelines apply to most micronized wax grades. Always verify specific recommendations for each type (e.g. Micronized PTFE Wax, Micronized PE Wax, Micronized Polyamide Wax) before large‑scale use.
1. Addition level
0.3% – 2% (based on resin content).
2. Method of addition
The micronized wax powder can be dispersed directly or prepared as a micronized wax paste. To make a paste, first blend 20–30% wax powder with 70–80% resin; this paste can then be added to the coating mixture at the required ratio. Alternatively, the wax powder can be added directly during the final stage of the coating formulation process, or it can be incorporated during the final grinding pass when milling pigments.
3. Dispersion method
Begin by stirring at a low speed until a vortex forms. Then, add the micronized wax powder (E.g. PE wax powder) in small batches directly into the vortex. Once all the wax powder has been added, increase the stirring speed to 1200 RPM and continue mixing until the wax is completely dispersed and uniformly blended.
4. Temperature control
During stirring, it is crucial to maintain the temperature below 45°C. Particular care should be taken during the summer months — especially when using low‑molecular‑weight PE polyethylene waxes — as the lower‑molecular‑weight fractions within the wax may partially dissolve at elevated temperatures. This can lead to re‑agglomeration (coarsening) of the wax particles, rendering them impossible to re‑disperse.
5. Precautions
Generally, ester‑based or alcohol‑based solvents are the ideal choices for dispersion media. Avoid directly mixing the wax with solvents such as toluene or xylene whenever possible; the strong penetrative power of these solvents can cause the micronized wax powder to partially dissolve at high temperatures, leading to crystallization and coarsening of the particles. This precaution is particularly critical when working with low‑molecular‑weight polyethylene waxes. Furthermore, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) waxes must *not* be co‑milled with pigments; instead, they should be prepared as a wax paste prior to addition.
Micronized waxes types & typical features
| Wax type |
Key characteristics |
Melting range |
Typical use note |
| Carnauba wax |
Transparent, high gloss, high hardness |
82℃ |
Excellent polishability |
| Fischer‑Tropsch wax |
Smooth feel, cost‑effective |
104–110℃ |
Good economy for industrial lines |
| PE wax |
Smoothness, economy, soft texture, pleasant feel |
102–130℃ |
Low‑MW fractions: keep temp <45°C |
| PP wax |
Matte, hard, abrasion resistant |
140–160℃ |
Adds durability & matting effect |
| Polyamide (PA) wax |
Scratch resistant, abrasion resistant |
145℃ |
Often used in tough topcoats |
| PTFE wax |
Smoothness, scratch/abrasion resistant, high‑temp stability |
330℃ |
Never co‑mill with pigments; use paste |
| PE/PTFE wax |
Combines smoothness, scratch & abrasion resistance |
blend |
Versatile hybrid |
✦ iSuoChem micronized wax range – equivalents to global brands ✦
Currently, iSuoChem offers specific grades within each of these micronized wax categories that serve as direct equivalents to products from leading international brands, such as Lubrizo, MÜNZING, Clariant Licowax&Ceridust, BASF Joncryl, Luwax series, Honeywell ACumist, Shamrock. . Please contact us to request samples for testing.
Microwax‑PE
Polyethylene PE Wax
Soft texture, economical, smooth feel. Excellent for wood & industrial coatings.
Microwax‑PP
Polypropylene PP Wax
Matte, hard, abrasion resistant. Melting range 140‑160°C.
Microwax‑PTFE
PTFE Wax
High‑temp stability (330°C), scratch & abrasion resistant. Do not co‑mill.
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Technical note: Always verify compatibility with your resin system. Ester/alcohol solvents are preferred; avoid toluene/xylene with low‑MW PE waxes. For PTFE grades, pre‑disperse as a paste — never mill with pigments. PP wax offers matte appearance and hardness (m.p. 140‑160°C). Recommended addition level 0.3‑2% on resin.
China Top PE Wax Manufacturer --- iSuoChem, a micronized wax specialists for industrial coatings