[1] As an oxidised product, OPEW is authorized in the EU as E number reference E914 only for the surface treatment of some fruits.
Polyethylene wax can be made by direct polymerization of ethylene under special conditions that control molecular weight and chain branching of the final polymer.
Another method involves thermal and/or mechanical decomposition of high molecular weight polyethylene resin to create lower molecular weight fractions.
These last two methods produce very low molecular weight fractions that should be removed to avoid a product with low flash point that can result in flammability, migration, equipment build up, fouling and other safety and processing issues.
Volatiles in these un refined waxes can also account for significant yield loss during processing Polyethylene wax may be used as lubricant additive to the PVC pipes.