Wax is a general term for a range of natural or synthetic products.
“Wax” is first and foremost an organic substance found in nature and used for lighting (candles), as opposed to “oil”. The former is solid at room temperature and quickly becomes liquid when heated; the latter is liquid at room temperature. There is also an intermediate state of “fat”. The earliest waxes came from plants and animals. Candles were used for religious, ceremonial and decorative purposes. Later a variety of waxes were developed in both directions, with the concept of physical extension predominating:
1. Physical extension: Substances with physical properties similar to those of existing waxes are also called waxes. For example, n-alkanes with more than 18 carbon atoms extracted from petroleum are solid at room temperature and quickly become liquid when heated, and are called “paraffin waxes”;
2. Chemical extension: Substances with a similar chemical structure to existing waxes are also called waxes. For example, n-alkanes with only 10 or 13 carbon atoms are called “liquid paraffins” because they are n-alkanes, although they are also liquids at room temperature.
In addition to illumination, other properties of waxes have been applied one after another and have become a large group of very important substances.
For convenience, the range can be subdivided into:
natural wax | |
synthetic wax | |
mineral wax | |
Petroleum wax, abbreviated as paraffin wax | |
Each wax is defined in terms of a number of properties such as hardness, melting point, viscosity, color and many others. These properties determine the main potential uses of the product. | |
In general, waxes have the following properties: | |
Solid at 20 °C, ranging from soft and elastic to brittle and hard; | |
Generally melts at slightly above 40°C, but does not decompose | |
Combustible, can be used as a fuel | |
Low thermal and electrical conductivity | |
Strong hydrophobicity |
Detailed nature:
Application Areas | Type of wax | Ecology | Functions and roles | |
Craftsmanship | final product | |||
Adhesives, hot melt adhesives | Paraffin wax or compound | Solid/Liquid | Adjustment of viscosity and flow time | Rapid solidification |
Agriculture (pesticides, plant protection) | Paraffin or white oil | emulsions | Anti-coagulant and graft protection for controlling pesticide release | delaying the release of chemical protectants.Anti-microbial in grafting |
automobile industry | paraffin wax blend | Emulsions and solids | — | Surface protection of metal and painted surfaces; corrosion protection of internal cavities |
candles | paraffinic | Solids and liquids | Forming and demolding | Controllable fuel |
carbon paper | natural wax | emulsions | Dispersants and binding agents | Photocopies are clear |
heavy cardboard | Paraffin wax or compound | solid | Improved MVT performance and bonding of substrates | Coating, impregnation, surface varnishing and lamination |
Ceramics and metals (powder) | paraffinic | emulsions | Sintered bonding | Improved surfaces and reduced scrap |
cheese | Paraffin and natural waxes | emulsions | Capsules; moisture control | Coating, Surface Protection |
chewing gums | paraffinic | solid | Additives for rubber dispersion and colloids | Chewable properties of colloids |
Citrus (and other) fruits | paraffinic | Emulsion solids | Surface and emulsion treatment | Protective coatings |
cosmetic products | Paraffin and natural waxes | emulsions | Bonding, Adjusting Consistency | Components of ointments, pastes, creams, lipsticks, etc. |
Electrical and electronic applications | paraffin wax blend | Solid:hot sol | Release agent; surface protection for etching processes | isolate |
demolish (using explosives) | paraffinic | Emulsions and solids | Process aids | Explosive passivator |
metal processing | paraffinic | emulsions | oily | antiseptic |
Paints and coatings | Paraffin and natural waxes | emulsions | Adjustment of viscosity | Linting, surface protection and anti-slip agents |
medical care | paraffinic | Emulsions and solids | Dispersion of surface treatment additives | Surface protection, glazing agent, release retardant for pharmaceuticals |
color | paraffinic | solid | Process aids | Carrying agent for pigmented substances (base wax) |
Plastics and rubber | Paraffin or natural wax | Solid/Powder | Lubricant (PVC), Release Agent (PA) | Improved appearance |
varnish | Paraffin and natural waxes | Emulsion/Solid | base | Surface protection for leather, floors and cars |
poultry | paraffinic | Solid/Liquid | De-feathering, depilatory | Smooth skin |
Printing Ink | paraffinic | emulsions | dispersion enhancer | Anti-scratch, non-slip, varnish |
circulate | paraffinic | Solid/Liquid | homogenizer | compatibilizer |
snowboarding | paraffinic | solid | — | Lubrication and scrubbing |
Textile industry, inks | paraffinic | emulsions | sizing agent | De-watering and Varnishing |
Color mixer (photocopier) | Paraffin and natural waxes | emulsions | Dispersing aids | Clear printing |
precision casting | paraffin wax blend | Solid/Liquid | demould | Dimensionally accurate and consistent in shape, the |
Silicate products | paraffinic | emulsions | Demolding and Maintenance | Improved strength and appearance |
Wood, leather | paraffinic | emulsions | — | Resistant to moisture and warping |
Paper, paint | paraffinic | emulsions | Sizing and peeling | Improves water resistance and product appearance |
paper-covered plasterboard | paraffinic | Emulsion, Paste | — | Moisture-resistant, varnish |