Overview
Paraffin wax is a hydrocarbon mixture extracted during petroleum refining, consisting primarily of saturated alkanes. It is valued for its thermal insulation, moisture resistance, and malleability. Industrial grades are classified by melting point (fully refined, semi-refined, or scale wax) and oil content (≤0.5% for premium applications). First commercialized in the 1850s, paraffin wax revolutionized candle-making by replacing tallow. Modern production involves dewaxing lubricating oil fractions, followed by hydrotreating to remove impurities. Food-grade variants undergo additional purification for direct contact applications.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Paraffin wax exhibits a crystalline structure when solid, with density inversely proportional to its melting point. Its thermal conductivity (~0.25 W/m·K) makes it effective for heat storage applications. Chemically inert, it resists oxidation under standard conditions but burns cleanly with a visible flame. Notable is its phase-change property: absorbing latent heat (200–220 kJ/kg) during melting, which is exploited in thermal energy storage systems. The material becomes brittle below -5°C and may develop surface bloom (whitish coating) over time due to microcrystalline rearrangement.
Main Applications
Over 60% of paraffin wax production supplies candle manufacturing, where it provides consistent burn rates. In packaging, it coats paperboard for moisture resistance in food containers. The cosmetics industry uses high-purity grades in lipsticks and creams for texture enhancement. Industrial applications include rubber compounding (as a processing aid), electrical insulation for components, and investment casting patterns. Emerging uses encompass phase-change materials (PCMs) for building temperature regulation and as a binder in carbon electrodes for batteries.
Safety and Storage
While non-hazardous under normal handling, molten paraffin poses fire risks (flash point ~200°C) and can cause thermal burns. Facilities should equip storage areas with spill containment and Class B fire extinguishers. Bulk storage tanks require heating coils to maintain liquidity. Occupational exposure limits (OELs) typically aren't established, but ventilation is recommended during melting to prevent fume accumulation. Food-contact grades must comply with FDA 21 CFR 172.886 or equivalent regional regulations. Shelf life exceeds 5 years when protected from UV light to prevent yellowing.
B2B Procurement Guide
Industrial buyers should specify technical parameters: melting point range (e.g., 58–62°C for candle wax), oil content (≤0.8% for coating applications), and congealing point. Delivery forms include slabs (10–25 kg blocks), pellets (for automated systems), or molten bulk tankers for large consumers. Quality verification involves testing for color (ASTM D6045), needle penetration (ASTM D1321), and viscosity at 100°C. Consider suppliers with ISO 9001 certification and batch traceability. Spot prices track crude oil markets, while long-term contracts often include petroleum price adjustment clauses.
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