Waxes, straight-chain polyethylene

Table II. Production of Straight-Chain Polyethylene Waxes (6)...

Polyethylene-derived diesel is susceptible to waxing problems. It is not just the molecular weight (i.e. chain length) that will cause waxing, it is the presence of linear (unbranched) n-aUcane chains (i.e. paraffins) and these are more likely to be formed from PE feedstocks. Such straight chains can readily fold and pack tightly to form crystals. 

---