Applications of Xeon PFTE micropowders and waxes

Solid Lubricant Applications

Inks and Coatings

XEON INTERNATIONAL offers to ink and coating formulators a range of PTFE waxes optimized to improve abrasion resistance.

PTFE offset ink One of the main performance criteria is the wax particle size and distribution : For example, in an offset ink, the wax particle must emerge from the ink film to efficiently reduce the abrasion.

Too big particles have a poor efficiency (in relation to their weight) or are removed from the ink film by rubbing, and too small particles do not emerge from the ink layer and do not contribute to the abrasion resistance.

XEON 861 compound "Xeon" PTFE waxes are available in a particle size range from 2 to 4 µ (d50), with a very narrow particle size dispersion, andare particularly suitable for inks and coatings with a coverage of 2 to 4 g/m2.

The use of Xeon wax enables a redution of the cost of utilisation of PTFE waxes by 15 to 20% due to a quality to cost compromise without equivalent on the market place.

Xeon waxes are availabe as a solid (powder) or as a dispersion in water (for water-based, low VOC overvarnish) or as a compound in vegetable oil.

Elastomers and rubbers

Xeon micropowders are extremely effective for the elimination of "stick-slip" in rubbers such as silicone, EPDM, urethane rubbers and most thermoplastic elastomers. A treat-rate of 5 to 10% is usually recommended.

Xeon R25 : 25 microns average particle size, suitable for most commodity plastics such as polyamides, easy to incorporate to most polymers and most economical.
Xeon G12 : may be used in most plastics, especially when a smooth aspect of the plastic is desired.
Xeon G4 : recommended for compounding polypropylene, polysulfones and thermoplastic polyurethanes

Lubricants

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is known to have one of the lowest coefficient of friction of all materials (µ = 0,04). For this reason, PTFE powders are used in greases, metal working fluids, anti-seize compounds and other lubricants to reduce the coefficient of friction, eliminate wear and improve the load carrying capability.

lubricant for gears However, the experience of lubricant formulators is not always positive with PTFE because not all PTFE are performing equally within the numerous commercial grades available. Large differences exist in terms of characteristics and impact considerably on the product performance as a solid lubricant:

Molecular weight (from 3000 to 6 millions)
Particle size (0.2 to 50 µ)
Manufacturing process (virgin PTFE, irradiated, etc…)

XEON INTERNATIONAL offers to lubricant formulators a range of PTFE powders or compounds with excellent lubricating properties.

Plastics

When added to thermoplastics as well as thermosetting resins, XEON PTFE micropowders dramatically reduce the friction coefficient and wear. Non-adhesiveness, water and oil-repellency are also enhanced.

Examples of plastics that are successfully compounded with XEON micro-powders are:

Polyacetal s(POM)
Polyphenylsulfone (PPS)
Phenyl Ether Ether Ketone (PEEK)
Polycarbonate
Polyimides
Polyamides
Polyolefins (PE & PP)

Beside a low coefficient of friction, the use of XEON micropowders for compounding plastics and rubbers also improves the UV resistance, chemical and heat resistance.

The improvement to UV is mostly resulting from the absorption in the bulk of the material of the UV radiation energy (PTFE wax are totally transparent to UV and therefore diffuse and diffract in depth the radiations rather than in surface.