Paraffin wax is a mixture of hydrocarbons extracted from crude oil

Paraffin wax, also known as crystalline wax, is a mixture of hydrocarbons extracted from crude oil and composed mainly of long-chain hydrocarbons. The following is a detailed introduction about paraffin wax:

I. Physical Properties

Appearance and state: paraffin wax is usually a white or light yellow translucent solid with waxy luster.

Melting point: The melting point of paraffin wax has a wide range, generally between 47°C~64°C. The specific melting point depends on the degree of its processing and refining and the lightness of the raw material fraction. Different varieties of paraffin waxes are categorized by melting point every 2°C, such as 52, 54, 56, 58 and other grades.

Density: The density of paraffin wax is about 0.9g/cm³ and the relative density is between 0.88~0.915.

Solubility: paraffin wax is soluble in gasoline, carbon disulfide, xylene, ether, benzene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, naphtha and other non-polar solvents, but insoluble in water and methanol and other polar solvents.

Second, chemical properties

Stability: paraffin wax is relatively stable chemically, not easy to react with other substances, but it may be dangerous in high temperature or mixed use with other substances.

Combustibility: paraffin wax can burn, but not easy to spontaneous combustion and explosion.

Composition: paraffin is a mixture of solid high-level alkanes, the main component is straight-chain alkanes (about 80% 95%), there are a small number of alkanes with individual branched chain and with long side chain of the monocyclic cycloalkanes (the two combined content of less than 20%). Its molecular formula is CₙH₂ₙ, where n=1735.

III. Classification and Usage

Classification: According to the different degree of processing and refining, paraffin wax can be divided into three kinds: fully refined paraffin wax, semi-refined paraffin wax and crude paraffin wax. Each type of wax is further subdivided according to melting point.

Uses:

Medicine and health: used to make medicinal ointments and skin care products to protect the skin barrier; to make medical supplies such as gauze and dressings to increase water resistance.

Industrial production: to make products such as candles, paper coatings, lubricants, cable insulation, etc. It excels due to its low conductivity and high stability.

Agriculture: used as a protective coating for fruits and vegetables to extend freshness and prevent water loss; used in pesticide formulations to improve efficacy and durability.

Food Processing: used as food additives for the surface treatment of candy, chocolate and other food products to make their appearance brighter and more beautiful (need to comply with food-grade standards).

Art and craft: used as carving material or mold material, favored for its easy plasticity and reusable characteristics.

Safety and Storage

Safety: Paraffin wax is classified as non-hazardous according to the United Nations classification standards for hazardous materials. Under normal circumstances, paraffin wax will not cause harm to the human body, and is not easy to burn, not easy to explode, not easy to release toxic gases and so on. However, it may be dangerous when heated to high temperatures or mixed with other substances.

Storage: Paraffin wax should be stored in a dry, ventilated and cool place, away from fire and heat sources. Storage containers should be sealed and shaded to prevent moisture and direct sunlight.