Abstract:

  In response to global raw material shortages and skyrocketing market prices for montan wax-based additives for use as a lubricant in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other thermoplastics, Struktol Company of America,a manufacturer of process additives for the plastics and rubber industries, has recently introduced V-Wax E and V-Wax OP additives as a drop-in replacement for comparable montan wax-based products.

  This new refined, organic wax products are designed to be drop-in replacements for Montan Wax E and Montan Wax OP. According to Struktol, they provide equivalent processing and performance in a variety of applications and their inherent chemical composition meets current specifications for montan waxes.

  "These new products will allow our customers to seamlessly replace montan waxes with a natural, organic-based replacement without sacrificing any of the performance benefits they have become accustomed to in their applications," said Mike Fulmer, Struktol's Product Manager for Plastic Additives.

  The new products are primarily targeted at calendered PVC sheet for blister packaging.Potential applications for V-Wax E and V-Wax OP are lubricants and release agents for PVC,polyolefins, polyamides, thermoplastic polyesters, polyurethanes, thermosets, and other plastics. In addition, these products are used as pigment carriers in coatings for paper,electronics, and polishes.

  It is expected that the first commercial products will be shipped approximately in end of February.