Paraffin wax
Description
Paraffin wax is the most widely used commercial wax. It is mainly derived from the high-boiling fractions of petroleum. It is commonly sold in slabs or blocks which exhibit crystallinity and various degrees of translucency. There is often a difference in melting point between the outside and inside of a slab because of nonhomogeneity. The crude paraffin waxes, containing varying amounts of volatile ingredients, are odorous and greasy. The refined grades are tasteless, odorless, harder and less greasy[1].
Properties
| Melting Point (ASTM) | 50 - 51 ºC |
| Color (Saybolt) | 25 - 30 |
| Flash Point | 202 ºC |
| Penetration at 0 ºC | 16 |
| Penetration at 25 ºC | 22 |
| Penetration at 46 ºC | 221 |
| Saponification Number | 0 |
| Acid Number | 0 |
| Viscosity at 100 ºC | 39 |
| Structure | Crystalline |
| Specific Gravity | 0.880 - 0.915 |
Solubility
Soluble in: benzol, ether, chloroform, carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, turpentine, petroleum, fixed oils. Insoluble in: water, cold alcohol[3].
Uses
Candles; waterproofing; sealing; lubricating; food; plant; fruit and vegetable protection; paper; polishes; cosmetics; crayons; pharmaceutical ointments and salves; electrical insulation, etc. [4]