The Role of Oxidized Polyethylene Wax in Solvent-Based Inks

Oxidized polyethylene wax improves rub resistance, dispersion, and anti-blocking in solvent-based inks. Discover its performance advantages and application tips.

Solvent-based printing inks are widely used in flexible packaging, labels, and commercial printing due to their fast drying speed and strong adhesion. However, to meet the growing demands for durability, print clarity, and processing stability, ink formulators rely on specialized additives—oxidized polyethylene (OPE) wax being one of the most effective.

This article explores how oxidized PE wax enhances the performance of solvent-based inks and why it’s a preferred choice for printers and converters worldwide.

What Is Oxidized Polyethylene Wax?

Oxidized polyethylene wax is a chemically modified PE wax that contains polar functional groups such as carboxylic acids or hydroxyls on the polymer backbone. This modification enhances:

• Polarity and compatibility with ink resins

• Dispersibility in both solvents and pigments

• Adhesion to substrate and ink surface

OPE wax is commonly used in micronized powder form, allowing it to be uniformly mixed into ink formulations.

Benefits of Oxidized PE Wax in Solvent-Based Inks

1. Enhances Rub and Scratch Resistance
OPE wax migrates to the surface of the ink film during drying, forming a protective barrier that shields the print from abrasion, rubbing, and scuffing. This ensures longer-lasting, cleaner print quality, especially in high-speed packaging lines.

2. Provides Anti-blocking and Slip
In applications where printed materials are stacked, wound, or folded, blocking and sticking can damage the print. OPE wax reduces surface tack and increases slip, helping prevent such issues.

3. Improves Pigment Dispersion
The oxidized structure enhances the wax’s compatibility with pigments and solvent-borne resins (e.g., nitrocellulose, polyurethane, polyamide), leading to improved color strength and stability.

4. Maintains Gloss and Transparency
Due to its fine particle size and good miscibility, oxidized PE wax improves surface performance without negatively affecting the ink’s gloss or color clarity.

Typical Ink Applications

OPE wax is used in a wide range of solvent-based ink systems, including:

• Gravure inks for flexible packaging

• Flexographic inks for labels and films

• Metalized or foil printing

• Surface and reverse printing on BOPP, PET, PE films

These applications often require durable and fast-drying ink with excellent resistance to handling and transportation stress.

Formulation and Usage Guidelines

• Typical dosage: 0.5% to 2.0% (based on total ink weight)

• Add during grinding or letdown phase, depending on processing

• Compatible with most solvent systems including ethyl acetate, MEK, and alcohols

• Can be blended with PTFE wax or amide wax for enhanced slip or matting

Always choose the right particle size and acid value of the oxidized PE wax to match your resin system and end-use requirements.

Comparison with Non-Oxidized Wax

Oxidized PE wax offers better overall balance for solvent-based ink systems.

Oxidized polyethylene wax is a high-performance additive that delivers multiple benefits to solvent-based inks—including better rub resistance, slip, and dispersion. Its chemical structure makes it highly compatible with common ink resins, offering reliable performance even under demanding print conditions.

Need help selecting the right oxidized PE wax for your ink system? Contact our technical experts to request a sample and explore customized solutions.