Classification and Application of Metallocene Polypropylene Wax

In the color masterbatch industry, polyethylene wax is a commonly used pigment dispersant. So, what are the varieties of polypropylene wax with only a word difference? Can it also be used as a pigment dispersant? In what application is polypropylene wax preferred. Today, let's follow Sainuo's article and learn more together!

How many types of polypropylene wax are there?

Like polyethylene wax, polypropylene wax is also divided into three major categories: polymerization type, cracking type, and by-product type. Among them, there are two main types of polypropylene wax polymerized by metallocene catalytic technology: homopolymer polypropylene wax and copolymer polypropylene wax.

Which is more suitable as a dispersant in polypropylene fiber masterbatch, polyethylene wax or polypropylene wax?

Firstly, the micro incompatibility between polypropylene and polyethylene can lead to a decrease in the mechanical strength of the final polypropylene fiber, especially in applications with high strength requirements. Secondly, the melting point of polyethylene wax is significantly lower than that of polypropylene resin, and it is necessary to handle the different melting rheological properties of the two polymers.

These two influencing factors can cause different compatibility of components in polypropylene products, leading to problems such as breakage and poor physical properties of fibers in the spinning process, thereby affecting production efficiency and product quality.

In addition, during the stretching and heat setting process of polypropylene fibers, when the orientation crystal structure of the polypropylene fibers changes, the molten polyethylene wax will seep from the polypropylene substrate to the surface of the fibers, and sometimes even the pigment will be attached to the surface, causing color bleeding problems.

Therefore, ordinary coarse and short fibers: polyethylene wax has a higher cost-effectiveness than polypropylene wax; Fine denier silk and BCF filament for carpets and clothing that mimic wool and have a soft touch: Polypropylene wax is more suitable.

The use of homopolymer polypropylene wax in polypropylene fiber masterbatch is a technically feasible method. Its melting point is close to polypropylene (148-176 ℃), and the compatibility between the two is also good, showing very similar melting characteristics. Moreover, the polypropylene wax polymerized by metallocene has fewer catalyst residues, narrow molecular weight distribution, and excellent thermal stability and precipitation resistance.

Which dispersant is most suitable in terms of dispersion mechanism?

(1) From the perspective of dispersion theory, there are different demands for polypropylene wax at different stages.

(2) During the pigment wetting stage, low viscosity wax has higher wetting efficiency; In the subsequent extrusion granulation stage, the wax needs to have a certain viscosity and be able to transfer shear force between the pigment and the resin melt, so that the well wetted pigment can be uniformly distributed in the resin melt.

Therefore, in order to achieve better dispersion, low viscosity polypropylene wax can be mixed with high viscosity polypropylene wax for use.

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