Paraffin wax (or petroleum wax) is a soft colorless solid derived from petroleum, coal or shale oil that consists of a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules containing between twenty and forty carbon atoms. It is solid at room temperature and begins to melt above approximately 37 °C (99 °F), and its boiling point is above 370 °C (698 °F). Common applications for paraffin wax include lubrication, electrical insulation, and candles; dyed paraffin wax can be made into crayons. It is distinct from kerosene and other petroleum products that are sometimes called paraffin.
Un-dyed, unscented paraffin candles are odorless and bluish-white. Paraffin wax was first created by Carl Reichenbach in Germany in 1830 and marked a major advancement in candle making technology, as it burned more cleanly and reliably than tallow candles and was cheaper to produce.
In chemistry, paraffin is used synonymously with alkane, indicating hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2. The name is derived from Latin parum (“barely”) + affinis, meaning “l(fā)acking affinity” or “l(fā)acking reactivity”, referring to paraffin’s unreactive nature.
Paraffin wax is derived from refining light to medium lubricating oil. It can be refined to be nearly colorless and odorless, making it easy to add to other products without changing the scent or color of the product. There are four most common uses for paraffin wax:
Candles
Paraffin wax candles were first used to replace tallow candles because they burn cleaner and more reliably. Paraffin wax is great for creating custom scented candles because it is colorless and odorless. Paraffin candles also burn brighter than other candle types.
Waterproofing
Paraffin is naturally water resistant. Paraffin wax coatings can be applied to a variety of products to make them waterproof, including matches, wood and bottles. To make your own waterproof matches, dip the match head in melted paraffin wax, remove it from the wax and blow on it to cool and harden the wax quickly.
Crayons
Paraffin wax is the primary ingredient in crayons that gives them their waxy texture. The wax, mixed with color pigments, is poured into a mold to form the crayon.
Friction Reducer
Since paraffin wax has lubricating properties, it is applied to a variety of products to reduce friction. Snowboarders, skateboarders and surfers apply paraffin wax to the bottom of their boards to help them glide easier.
Dongke, established in 2005, is a national high-tech enterprise, Specializing in the research and development, producing and sales of new materials, new energy, medicine and health.
Dongke, established in 2005, is a national high-tech enterprise, Specializing in the research and development, producing and sales of new materials, new energy, medicine and health.
