Marcus homopolymer polyethylenes, with their optimal balance of hardness, high melting point, and exceptionally low melt viscosity, serve as excellent additives for enhancing bitumen roofing and sheeting compounds. When used at recommended levels of 3–5%, this Bitumen Modification wax significantly improves performance and durability.
In these products, bitumen is blended with thermoplastic elastomers of varying types (amorphous polyolefins and SBS). The inclusion of these polymers results in a dramatic increase in viscosity and a consequent disruption of flow characteristics. The incorporation of an additive amount of a Marcus homopolymer wax brings about a significant improvement of flow during hot torching procedures, stimulating the formation of a smooth and high gloss coating with added water repellency
