In the continuous development of the paint industry, improving coating performance has always been the core objective, with wax additives playing a key role as a critical component. Their innovation and application have a profound impact on coating quality. From early natural waxes to low-molecular synthetic waxes, and now to high-molecular modified synthetic micro-powder waxes, the evolution of waxes reflects the progress in coating technology. This article focuses on the innovative application of high-molecular modified synthetic micro-powder wax in coatings, delving into its performance advantages, selection methods, and typical application scenarios. It aims to provide comprehensive and practical references for industry professionals, helping coating products achieve breakthroughs in scratch resistance, wear resistance, temperature resistance, and weather resistance, thereby promoting environmental-friendly production and high-quality development.
① Three Major Challenges of Wax in High-End Coating Applications:
• High-Temperature Failure Challenge: In automotive/appliance coatings, wax molecules soften at temperatures >150°C, leading to a 50% increase in measured wear loss and reduced durability.
• Limited Surface Functionality Challenge: Traditional waxes cannot simultaneously address slip resistance, scratch resistance, wear resistance, tactile feel, and other multifunctional requirements, limiting the application scope of coatings.
• EU Comprehensive Ban Proposal: Covers over 10,000 types of PFAS (including fluoropolymers, such as those used in waterproof coatings).
2025: Draft proposal and call for feedback.
2026-2027: Expected full enforcement.
② Four-Dimensional Performance Enhancement of High-Molecular Synthetic Modified Wax:
• Wear/Scratch Resistance: High-molecular modified wax significantly enhances coating wear resistance, with an improvement rate of up to 50%, effectively extending coating lifespan.
• Surface Functionality: Enables specific tactile feel, anti-slip properties, hydrophobicity, and oleophobicity, among other multifunctional features, with a 30% improvement in surface functionality to meet diverse needs.
• Temperature/Weather Resistance: High-molecular modified wax has a melting point above 260°C, improving coating temperature/weather resistance by 20%, ensuring performance retention in harsh environments.
• Comprehensive high-temperature and wear resistance make it an effective alternative to PTFE-based waxes.
How to Select Proper WAX
The melting point of wax determines its applicable environment and functional stability:
| Melting Range | Applications | Typical Products |
| <100℃ | Wood paint polishingLow temperature curing coating | Carnauba waxBeeswax |
| 100–300℃ | General purpose coating | PE wax, Fischer Tropsch wax, PTFE, Polymer wax |
| >300℃ | High-temperature coating | PTFE, Modified polymer wax |
The particle size of wax directly affects the gloss, feel, and protective performance of the coating:
| Particle Size (D50) | Effect on coating | Applications |
| <1μm | Almost no impact on gloss, providing a delicate touch: | High gloss topcoat, electronic product coating |
| 3–7μm | Slight matte finish enhances scratch resistance | Furniture paint, plastic paint |
| 8–15μm | Significant matte finish, enhanced wear resistance | Matte paint, floor paint |
| >25μm | Create a sand texture effect | Art paint, special effect paint |
Polarity determines the compatibility and functional performance of wax and resin systems:
High polarity wax (such as acidified polyolefin wax, modified polymer wax): has good compatibility and dispersibility with polar resins (such as water-based systems, epoxy, polyurethane), comprehensively improves the mechanical properties of the coating, enhances adhesion and surface energy;
Low polarity wax (such as PE wax, PTFE): migrates to the surface of the coating to form a hydrophobic layer, with water resistance, anti adhesion, and tactile sensation
Different forms of wax additives are suitable for different production processes:
| Forms | Processing | Pros | Cons |
| Micronized wax | Jet millingSpray drying | 100% solid content No effect on water resistance |
Hard to disperse |
| Wax emulsion | Emulsification | Easy to useUniform particle size | Emulsifier containedMay decrease water resistance |
| Wax slurry | Wet grinding | Good stabilityEasy to use | Solvent containedHigh VOC |
Typical applications and wax/additive solution reference:
| Applications | Core requirements | Recommended types | Dosage |
| Automotive coating | Scratch resistant, smooth to the touch | PE wax, Carnauba wax | 0.5-2% |
| Printed metal, coil material | Scratch resistant, low friction coefficient (<0.2) | Polymer waxPE/PTFE wax | 0.5-1.5% |
| Floor paint | Wear resistant and resistant to sand erosion | PP, Polymer wax | 1-3% |
| Industrial coating | Wear resistant and scratch resistant | Polymer waxPE/PTFE wax | 0.8-1.5% |
| Powder coating | Lubrication, scratch resistance, and defoaming | PE, FT, PP, PA, PTFE | None |
| Ink | Wear resistant, low friction coefficient | According to your needs | None |
Our company specializes in providing various specifications of synthetic (Polymer) wax.
Post time: Nov-24-2025