polymer slurries of ultrahigh molecular weight polyalpha - olefins are made stable toward settling , separation and agglomeration by surface treatment with a combination of wax and optional relatively high - density particulates . the selection of the surface coating acts not only as an anti - blocking agent , or partitioning aid to keep the tacky polymer particles separated , but also provides the suspended polymer particle with a density that matches the carrier . this prevents separation of the slurry components over time . such materials , ultimately used as pipeline additives to reduce the fluid drag and increase the volumetric throughput , can be stored and shipped for extended periods of time without degradation of the slurry quality . upon injection into the pipeline , the polymer particle dissolves quickly , unhindered by the coating .