Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a petroleum substance that exists in two forms: solid and liquid. This type of wax is usually classified based on the amount of oil and the degree of refinement. Paraffin is mostly used in industry as a lubricant to reduce friction between moving surfaces. Solid paraffin is produced in three forms: blocks, granules, and flakes.
It comes in semi-refined and fully refined forms. The semi-refined form is widely used for the production of rubber products and is distinguished from kerosene, another petroleum product and sometimes called paraffin. It is used in candles and tires, wax paper, polishes, cosmetics, as a lubricant, and as an electrical insulator.
It helps in extracting perfumes from flowers, forms a base for medical ointments, and provides a waterproof coating for wood. In wooden and paper matches, it ignites the matchstick by providing a hydrocarbon fuel that evaporates easily.
Paraffin Wax Properties
The melting point is between 46 and 68 °C and its density is about 900 kg/m3. Paraffin wax is insoluble in water but soluble in ether, flammable petroleum products and esters (higher salts). It is not easily affected by chemical reactions but burns easily. The heat of combustion of paraffin wax is about 42 megajoules/kg.
In chemistry, it is used equally with alkane (a group of hydrocarbon stearate that includes methane, ethane, propane) and represents hydrocarbons with the general formula NnH2n+2. The word paraffin wax has Latin roots. Paraffin wax is an excellent electrical insulator with an electrical resistance between 1013 and 1017 ohm meters.
It is better than almost all other petroleum products, except plastics. Paraffin wax is an effective neutron moderator and was used in James Chadwick’s experiments to detect neutrons in 1932. Paraffin wax is a good material for storing heat. Its heat capacity is 2.14–2.9 J g−1 K−1 and the heat required to melt it is 200–220 J. When paraffin wax melts, it flows rapidly and because of this property,
it can be used in industrial, domestic and especially automotive thermostats.
History
Paraffin wax was first created in 1830 by a German chemist named Carl von Rickenbach. He was trying to separate and purify the petroleum substances that are naturally present in crude oil. It has had a significant impact on the manufacture and production of various types of candles.
It is initially burns with a low melting point, but by adding stearic acid to its melting point is raised. The production increased in the early 20th century due to the growth of the meat and oil packaging industry, which led to the production of paraffin wax and stearic acid as by-products.
It was created in Germany and made a major breakthrough in the candle making industry because the presence in candles makes the candle burn slower and has fewer tears, and it is also cheaper to produce and manufacture than other candles.
Applications
It is widely used in various industries such as candle making, waterproofing of paper and fabrics, various polishes, rubber industries, etc. In addition, its pharmaceutical form is used in the production and manufacture of various health products.
Use in the cosmetics industry
This wax is used to coat tablets and is also used as an important and essential ingredient in the production of various creams and lotions.
Use in the rubber industry
It is used in the production of car tires to insulate against the ozone layer and also to prevent tire bursting and abrasion.
Use in agricultural fertilizer
Paraffin wax is used in the agricultural industry to produce chemical fertilizers.
It is also used in the textile, paper, food, match making and paint production industries.
