8 min read
What Is PE Wax? Uses and How to Choose the Right Type
What is PE wax? Production routes, measured parameters and uses of polyethylene wax, from PVC…
Carbon Black for Pipes and Profiles
PE100 water and gas pipes, sewer lines and PVC profiles. Carbon black for pipes provides the UV and oxidation resistance of a pipe expected to last 50 years underground; PE wax sets the extrusion surface and line speed.
Infrastructure pipes are among the most critical applications of carbon black, because there is no margin for error: a water or gas pipe buried underground is expected to serve for decades, and much of that life depends on protecting the polymer from oxidative degradation.
Carbon black in PE100 pipes
In black PE100 pipes, carbon black is typically present at 2 ± 0.5% by weight and does two jobs: it absorbs ultraviolet radiation to prevent photo-oxidative degradation of the polymer chain, and it acts as a free radical scavenger to slow thermal oxidation. International standards require a small particle size (about 0.010–0.025 micron) and very good dispersion for this application.
PE wax in PVC profiles
In the extrusion of PVC window and door profiles, polyethylene wax is used as an external lubricant: it reduces friction between the melt and the die surface, prevents sticking, allows higher line speeds and improves surface gloss. The right choice of wax directly affects the efficiency of a PVC line.
- High-density (HDPE) wax: Higher drop point and stronger external lubrication; for high-speed lines.
- Oxidized PE wax: More compatible with PVC thanks to its polar structure; balances internal and external lubrication.
- Low-density (LDPE) wax: A softer effect; preferred in plasticized systems.
Weldability
In PE pipes, the quality of butt fusion and electrofusion joints is sensitive to how homogeneous the compound is. Poorly dispersed carbon black agglomerates can create weak points in the weld zone. That is why, in pipe production, masterbatch quality matters more than the additive dosage.
What to Watch For in This Industry
Dispersion is defined by standard in pipe applications
PE100 pipe standards set numerical limits for carbon black dispersion. Ask your masterbatch supplier for a dispersion test report.
Too much wax causes plate-out
In PVC extrusion, excess external lubricant leaves deposits at the die exit (plate-out) and causes surface defects. The dosage should be optimized for line conditions.
Choose a low-ash grade
Carbon black with a high ash content (ASTM D1506) can leave unwanted inorganic residue in contact applications such as drinking water pipes.
Recommended Products for This Industry
N550
Soft grade
N550 carbon black is a low-surface-area carcass grade. It gives rubber compounds…
Iodine g/kg
43 ± 5
OAN ml/100g
121 ± 5
SHP50
Specialty grade
SHP50 carbon black is a medium-structure specialty reinforcing grade. It has higher…
Iodine g/kg
50 ± 3
OAN ml/100g
111 ± 3
Oxidized PE Wax
Oxidized
Oxidized polyethylene wax is a polar wax with carboxyl groups added to its chain. It is…
Drop point · °C
100 – 125
Viscosity (140 °C) · mPa·s
150 – 800
HDPE Wax
Non-oxidized
HDPE wax is a high-density, high-drop-point non-oxidized wax. It offers strong external…
Drop point · °C
120 – 140
Viscosity (140 °C) · mPa·s
10 – 300
Trial program
How does it work?
1-pallet trial offer
Test the product and return it if you are not satisfied. No obligation.
Industry-Specific Questions
What carbon black do PE100 pipes need?
Pipe applications usually use not carbon black directly but a black masterbatch containing around 40% carbon black. Small-particle, low-ash grades that disperse very well are preferred for masterbatch production.
Our PVC profile line gives a matte surface. Is the wax the problem?
It is one of the likely causes. If external lubrication is insufficient, the melt sticks to the die and the surface turns matte; if it is excessive, plate-out occurs. We recommend a trial with a PE wax type whose drop point and viscosity suit your line.
Does a pipe have to be black?
For above-ground or sun-exposed applications, yes: a black pigment is needed for UV protection. Black is also preferred for underground applications, because pipes are exposed to UV during storage and installation.
Resources
6 min read
Oxidized vs Non-Oxidized PE Wax: Which to Use and When
Oxidized vs non-oxidized PE wax: what oxidation adds to the wax, why polarity matters, and…
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