Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a lightweight, rigid, and closed-cell foam material valued for its insulation and cushioning properties. It is used in industries such as construction, packaging, and consumer goods.
Behind the performance of EPS lies an important input: Polyethylene Wax (PE Wax), which is used as a nucleating agent in the manufacturing of EPS.
THE EPS MANUFACTURING PROCESS
EPS production is a multi-stage process where PE Wax plays an important role. Tiny resin pellets transform into this versatile material through the process given here:
Polymerization: The polymerization of styrene monomers leads to the formation of polystyrene resin beads
Pre-expansion: Steam is used in this stage, expanding the tiny polystyrene resin beads to up to 50 times their original volume.
Molding: In the final stage, the expanded beads are molded under heat and pressure into specific shapes, ranging from insulation panels to packaging forms.
ADVANTAGES OF USING GULBRANDSEN’S PE WAX
- Better cell structure formation
- Superior Cell Structure Ageing Performance
GULBRANDSEN: THE LEADING GLOBAL MANUFACTURER OF PE WAX
Gulbrandsen’s PE Wax is used by EPS manufacturers worldwide to manufacture high-quality EPS that gives them a competitive edge in the market.
EPS manufacturers worldwide partner with us because we provide:
Surety of Supply: We ensure product supply security through backward integration of raw materials, demonstrating long-term commitments to our customers’ success
Global Availability: We have strategically located our manufacturing plants and established a strong distribution network, enabling us to provide short lead times and timely deliveries worldwide.
Unmatched Quality Assurance: Every batch of our PE Wax undergoes rigorous in-house testing to ensure purity and consistency against global benchmarks.
Our PE Wax, distinguished by exceptional consistency and superior performance, is engineered to optimize EPS manufacturing.
PRODUCT FORMS
Gulbrandsen offers PE Wax in various forms, suitable for EPS production needs:
- Granules
- Pastilles
- Micronized Wax (available on request)
APPLICATIONS OF EPS
From insulation and packaging to construction and crafts, EPS foam finds applications in numerous industries.
Construction
Packaging
Food Services
Crafts & Prototyping
Gulbrandsen’s PE Waxes ensure the foam meets quality, durability, and visual standards across all these applications.
Discover More
For the superior performance of EPS foam, it is important to use the right nucleating agent. With consistent melt behaviour, high crystallinity, and strict process control, our PE Wax helps manufacturers achieve better foam strength, uniform cell structures, and greater production efficiency.
Learn more about how our PE Wax can improve your process. Contact us for more information.
