The Marcus homopolymer polyethylenes, with their ideal combination of hardness, high melting point, and exceptionally low melt viscosity are perfect additives, at rates of 3 – 5 %, to bitumen roofing and sheeting compounds.
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 properties.