A major use of the MARCUS oxidized polyethylenes 3400 & 3500 in emulsion form (principally non-ionic emulsion) is in drybright and buffable polishes for floors.
These products, of which there are many formulation types, are based typically upon acrylic polymer emulsions which can comprise up to 80% of total in a drybright recipe, together with an alkali soluble resin solution (10%) and which functions as a leveling agent. In addition there are small amounts of a plasticizer to ensure a completely film forming nature, as well as a coalescing aid and a wetting agent.
In semi and fully buffable polishes the oxidized polyethylene is normally incorporated as a lesser ingredient together with other waxes having superior buffability characteristics. The polyethylene improves the gloss and modifies the slip and durability aspects of the polish. The solids content of a polish is usually about 15% and thus the polyethylene concentration (on a solids basis) to obtain all the manifold high performance advantages is in the range 0.5 – 1.0%.
The MARCUS 3400 & 3500 products are readily emulsified to give very fine and stabilized particles which are lamellar and rhombic in habit and the size in a well formulated emulsion in the region of 0.05 microns average. During the course of drying a preponderance of the particles gravitate to the surface and it is this phenomenon which helps to bring about the valuable modification advantages which are summarized as follows:
- Modification of surface slip parameters.
- A major contributor to gloss level.
- Durability.
- Good rub and scuff mark resistance.
- Improved resistance to dirt pick up.
- Facilitates repairability in maintenance operations.