Paraffin Wax

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax (or petroleum wax) is a soft colorless solid derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale that consists of a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules containing between 20 and 40 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.

Paraffin Wax history

Paraffin wax was first created in 1830 by German chemist Karl von Reichenbach when he attempted to develop a method to efficiently separate and refine waxy substances naturally occurring in petroleum. Initially, paraffin wax had a low melting point, however, the addition of stearic acid later solved this. Paraffin wax production was thriving in the early 20^th century from a rise in meatpacking and oil industries which generated paraffin and stearic acid as by-products.

Production

Paraffin feedstock is slack wax, a combination of oil and wax and a by-product from the refining of lubricating oil. Firstly, the oil is removed (de-oiled or de-waxed) from the slack wax and separated by crystallisation. Generally, the slack wax is heated, mixed with a solvent such as ketone and then cooled. The wax then crystalises out of the solution and the oil remains before the mixture is then filtered into two streams:

Solid – wax plus some solvent
Liquid – oil and solvent

Once the solvent is retrieved by distillation, the subsequent products are “product wax” (or “press wax”) and “foots oil”. The lower percentage of oil in the wax, the more refined it is (semi-refined vs fully-refined).

The product wax may be processed more to remove any colors and odors. The wax may then be blended to achieve specific required products such as penetration and melt point. The paraffin wax is then supplied in either liquid or solid form.

Application of Paraffin wax

The most usage of paraffin wax is in candle industry. It also plays an important role in hot-melt adhesives. It is used as a constituent of numerous cosmetics (e.g. skin-cream, lipsticks and Vaseline), corrosion preventative or inhibitor (water repellent) and other industries like PVC, agriculture, paint and inks, and etc.

Using paraffin wax in beauty products

When used in cosmetics, paraffin wax is commonly applied to hands and feet. Paraffin has a low melting point, allowing it to melt into a liquid at a temperature that’s not too hot and is safe to touch. It has a natural ointment and helps to soften skin.

Paraffin is used in many beauty products as it’s cheap. It adds moisture and continues to boost moisture levels once the treatment is complete. It also helps open pores and remove dead skin cells, making the skin look fresher and smoother.

Packing

This product can be packed in various ways. ITO Trading Company delivers this product in Slabs (5 Kg), in Carton Boxes.

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin Wax

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