Silicone masterbatch vs EBS wax is a common question when a compound needs a lubricant. Both improve melt flow and mold release, but they are made for different jobs. EBS wax is a low-cost all-rounder for lubrication and dispersion. Silicone masterbatch costs more, and it also leaves a lasting slippery, scratch- and wear-resistant surface on the finished part. PETS completes the picture as the high-temperature lubricant for transparent engineering plastics. As a formulation development partner, SYCHEM TECH supplies all three.
Short answer: choose EBS wax at 0.1–0.5% for general lubrication, mold release and pigment dispersion in PVC, ABS, PS, polyolefins and masterbatch. Choose PETS at 0.1–0.3% for PC, PET, PBT and clear parts processed at high temperature. Choose silicone masterbatch, usually at 0.5–5%, when the part itself needs a lasting effect: scratch or abrasion resistance, low friction, less squeak, or faster extrusion of highly filled cable compounds.
How each lubricant works
EBS wax (ethylene bis stearamide) melts at about 140–145 °C. It is only partly compatible with most polymers, so it works both inside the melt and at the metal surface, and it disperses pigments and fillers well. Some of it migrates to the part surface, giving slip and anti-block that fade with handling.
PETS (pentaerythritol tetrastearate) is a large tetra-ester molecule that stays stable to about 290 °C with little volatility. It lubricates and releases at PC and polyester processing temperatures, migrates very little, and keeps transparent parts clear and printable.
Silicone masterbatch carries an ultra-high molecular weight siloxane in a carrier resin matched to the polymer. The siloxane is incompatible enough to concentrate at the melt surface, where it lowers friction against the screw and mold, and at the surface of the finished part. Its very long chains anchor it in place, so the surface effect lasts instead of wiping off.
Silicone masterbatch vs EBS wax vs PETS comparison table
| EBS wax | PETS | Silicone masterbatch | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | Ethylene bis stearamide, an amide wax | Pentaerythritol tetrastearate, a tetra-ester | Ultra-high molecular weight siloxane in a carrier resin |
| Form | Bead, powder or flake | Bead, powder or flake | Pellets on PE, PP, ABS, PA, PC and other carriers |
| Melting point | About 140–145 °C | About 62–78 °C | Set by the carrier resin |
| Heat stability | Flash point ≥ 285 °C | Stable to about 290 °C, low volatility | Suited to engineering-plastic processing temperatures |
| Typical dosage | 0.1–0.5% | 0.1–0.3% in PC | 0.1–5%, depending on the grade family |
| Main job | Lubrication, mold release, pigment and filler dispersion | High-temperature lubrication and release | Flow plus lasting surface effects |
| Surface effect | Slip and anti-block that fade as it migrates | Little migration; keeps printability | Durable low friction, scratch and abrasion resistance, less squeak |
| Best fit | PVC, ABS, PS, polyolefins, masterbatch | PC, PET, PBT, transparent parts | Cable, automotive interiors, engineering plastics, shoe soles |
| Relative price per kg | Lowest | Medium | Highest |
Values are from our EBS wax, PETS and silicone masterbatch product pages. They are typical figures, not specifications; ask for the TDS of the exact grade.
Silicone masterbatch vs EBS wax by application
| What you need | Usual choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid PVC profile, ABS or PS molding | EBS wax | Low-cost internal and external lubrication |
| Color and filler masterbatch | EBS wax | Wets and disperses pigment and filler |
| Transparent PC lenses and light covers | PETS | Keeps clarity; stable at PC processing temperatures |
| Thin-wall PET and PBT parts | PETS | Release without gas or plate-out |
| Scratch-resistant PP or TPO interior trim | Silicone masterbatch (anti-scratch grade) | Lasting scratch resistance; tested to PV3952 and GMW14688 |
| Quiet PC/ABS interior parts | Silicone masterbatch (anti-squeak grade) | Stops stick-slip noise at about 4% |
| Halogen-free cable with high MDH loading | Silicone masterbatch (cable grade) | Faster extrusion, less die drool, smoother surface |
| PA or POM gears and sliding parts | Silicone masterbatch (wear-resistant grade) | Lower friction and wear without hurting strength |
| TPR, EVA, TPU or PVC shoe soles | Silicone masterbatch (anti-abrasion grade) | Lower abrasion loss |
When EBS wax is the better choice
- General lubrication at the lowest cost in PVC, ABS, PS, HIPS and polyolefins
- Color, white and filler masterbatch, where pigment and filler dispersion matter most
- Mold release for thermosets, rubber and general molding
- Gloss and smooth surfaces on rigid PVC profiles and ABS parts
- Rubber processing, as a release agent in mixing
When PETS is the better choice
- Transparent PC lenses, light covers and electronic housings
- PET, PBT and PETG parts that need release without gas defects
- Processing above about 280 °C, where EBS volatility becomes a problem
- Parts that will be printed, painted or bonded, thanks to low migration
When silicone masterbatch is the better choice
- Scratch-resistant automotive interiors in PP, TPO and talc-filled PP, without tacky surfaces after ageing
- Quiet interior parts in PC/ABS, where stick-slip squeak must be stopped
- Halogen-free cable compounds filled with MDH, where it speeds extrusion and reduces die drool; see MDH vs ATH
- Gears, bearings and sliding parts in PA, POM, PBT and PPS that need lasting low friction
- Shoe soles in TPR, EVA, TPU and PVC that must pass abrasion tests
- Telecom ducts and pipes that need a slippery inner wall
Using lubricants together
The three are often combined, because each does a different job. A typical color masterbatch uses EBS for pigment dispersion and a little silicone for flow and surface. A cable compound may use silicone masterbatch for extrusion and surface, while PE film lines add a PPA to remove melt fracture; see our PPA processing aid guide. Change one additive at a time in trials, and do not stack lubricants beyond what the process needs: too much lubricant causes screw slip, weak weld lines and poor printing.
How to test a lubricant in trials
- Processing: record extruder torque, melt pressure, output and die drool, or injection pressure and cycle time.
- Surface: measure the coefficient of friction and, for interiors, run a scratch test such as PV3952 or GMW14688 before and after heat ageing.
- Appearance: check gloss, haze in clear parts, and bloom or tackiness after ageing.
- Downstream: test printing, painting, welding and bonding if the part needs them.
- Properties: confirm impact and tensile strength did not drop.
Silicone masterbatch vs EBS wax cost
EBS wax is the cheapest lubricant per kilogram and is used at a fraction of a percent, so it adds very little to compound cost. Silicone masterbatch costs much more per kilogram and is used at higher doses, so it only pays where it solves a problem EBS cannot: a scratch, squeak, wear or extrusion-speed target. In a cable line or an interior part, that saving in scrap, rework or coatings usually outweighs the additive price.
Frequently asked questions
Is silicone masterbatch a lubricant?
Yes. It lubricates the melt and the metal surfaces like EBS, which improves flow and release. Unlike EBS, it also changes the surface of the finished part for the long term, which is why it is often called a surface modifier as well.
Can I replace EBS wax with silicone masterbatch?
You can, but it usually costs more for the same lubrication. Switch when you also need a surface effect, or when EBS causes plate-out or bloom. For dispersion in color masterbatch, EBS often stays in the formula.
Does silicone masterbatch affect printing or painting?
At higher doses it can reduce paint and ink adhesion, because it lowers surface energy. Use the lowest effective dose and test the paint or print system. Where printing matters most, PETS is the safer lubricant.
Which lubricant is best for polycarbonate?
PETS, at about 0.1–0.3%. It is stable at PC processing temperatures and keeps transparent parts clear. Use a PC-carrier silicone masterbatch only when the part needs scratch or wear resistance.
What is the difference between silicone masterbatch and silicone oil?
Silicone oil is a low molecular weight liquid that is hard to dose and tends to bleed out. Silicone masterbatch carries an ultra-high molecular weight siloxane in pellets, so it doses like any masterbatch and stays in place. For the basics, see what is silicone masterbatch.
Get a lubricant recommendation
Still weighing silicone masterbatch vs EBS wax? Tell us the polymer, process, what goes wrong today (torque, die drool, sticking, scratches, squeak or wear) and any clarity or printing needs. We will suggest a lubricant and dose, email you the TDS and arrange samples. Contact our technical team or write to info@sychemtech.com.
Related products: our silicone masterbatch series, EBS wax, PETS release agent, PPA processing aid and the full lubricants range. For ABS parts, see also the ABS grade selection guide.
