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What You Need to Know About Paraffin Wax

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What You Need to Know About Paraffin Wax

our Paraffin wax is a highly versatile and well-known product derived from the process of refining crude oil. Its use dates back to the early 19th century, when it was first utilized in the candle-making industry. Due to its unique properties, including flexibility, resistance to water and moisture, and biodegradability, paraffin wax finds applications in various industries. The production process of petroleum wax involves extracting it from crude oil and refining it to remove impurities, resulting in a high-quality final product. Join us as we delve deeper into this versatile material.

What is Paraffin Wax?

Paraffin wax is a saturated hydrocarbon composed of a mixture of different alkanes. It is primarily made up of carbon and hydrogen and exists in solid form at room temperature. petroleum wax melts at lower temperatures and has the ability to soften. In addition to alkanes, paraffin wax may contain additives such as microcrystalline waxes and polyethylene, which enhance its properties, including increased flexibility, corrosion resistance, and improved performance in various conditions.

Chemical Structure

Paraffin wax is a soft, oily substance that appears white or colorless, tasteless, and odorless. It is extracted from oil or coal and is composed of hydrocarbon molecules containing between twenty to forty carbon atoms. At room temperature, petroleum wax is solid, with a melting point that varies between 37 and 65 degrees Celsius. This chemical compound was discovered in 1850 and has the chemical formula CnH2n+2. Slack wax, a mixture of paraffin wax and oil derived from crude oil, ranges in content from 5% to 30%. This product can be processed into fully refined or semi-refined paraffin wax using processes such as deoiling and bleaching. During deoiling, the oil is removed from the slack wax, and during bleaching, its color is changed from yellow or brown to white. This refining process can turn slack wax into paraffin wax.

Slack wax is the best option for producing various types of petroleum wax because it is cost-effective to produce and contains beneficial oil content. However, the price of slack wax is higher than other types of paraffin due to its petroleum content. This product comes in light and heavy grades, with the main difference being their melting points.

 Types of Paraffin Wax

petroleum wax is one of the most important types of solid paraffin, which remains solid at room temperature and becomes liquid at temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius. Its boiling point is around 370 degrees Celsius. These properties have led to paraffin wax being divided into two main categories: light and heavy, each with specific applications.

  1. Light Paraffin Wax

Light paraffin wax has a specific gravity of less than 0.9 grams per cubic centimeter and melts at temperatures typically between 40 and 70 degrees Celsius. Due to its lower melting point, this type of paraffin wax is used in various industries. Some of its main applications include:

– Candle Making: Due to its even melting and stable light production, light petroleum wax is used to produce various decorative and functional candles.

– Paper Industry: In this industry, petroleum wax is used as a protective coating for papers to prevent moisture and water penetration.

– Food Industry: Light paraffin wax is used as a protective coating for food packaging and as an additive in certain food products.

– Cosmetics and Personal Care: Due to its high purity and softening properties, this type of paraffin is used in the production of cosmetic and personal care products such as creams and lotions.

– Pharmaceuticals: In the pharmaceutical industry, light petroleum wax is used to produce tablets and capsules to prevent moisture absorption by the active ingredients.

 

2.Heavy

Heavy petroleum  wax has a specific gravity of more than 0.9 grams per cubic centimeter and melts at temperatures typically between 50 and 80 degrees Celsius. Due to its higher melting point and unique physical properties, this type of paraffin is used in various industries. Some of these applications include:

– Rubber Manufacturing: Heavy petroleum wax is used as an additive in rubber production to increase durability and flexibility.

– Detergents: In detergent production, this type of paraffin is used as a stabilizing and protective agent.

– Paints and Resins: Heavy paraffin wax is used as an additive in paint and resin production to improve the quality and durability of the final products.

– Textiles: In the textile industry, this substance is used as a softening and water-resistant agent in the production of various fabrics and fibers.

Applications of Parafin Wax

petroleum wax has extensive applications in various industries. Some of the most important ones include:

  • Candle Making

Paraffin wax is used as the primary material in candle production due to its properties such as low melting point and chemical stability. Candles made from paraffin wax burn evenly and produce a stable, smoke-free light.

  • PVC Industry

In the PVC industry, petroleum wax is used as an external lubricant in the extrusion process. This substance improves material flow during production and enhances the quality of the final product.

  • Barrier Coatings

Paraffin wax is used as a barrier coating on various surfaces to prevent moisture and water penetration. This property is particularly useful in the packaging industry and the production of food products.

  • Sizing Wooden Boards

This product is used in molten or emulsion form for sizing wooden boards to prevent moisture penetration into wood composites. This application is especially important in the production of wooden products such as furniture and cabinetry.

  • Formulation of Sealants and Fillers

petroleum wax is used in the formulation of sealants and fillers to increase resistance to water and moisture. This property ensures that the final products are more durable and less prone to damage.

  • Printing Ink and Polishes

In the printing industry, paraffin wax is used as one of the main materials in the production of printing ink and polishes. This substance improves the product’s resistance to friction, scratches, moisture, and corrosion.

What is Solid Paraffin?

Solid paraffin, or petroleum wax, is produced in block form. The raw materials for this type of paraffin include heavy alkanes and hydrocarbon compounds derived from crude oil refining. Solid paraffin is used in various applications, some of the most important of which include:

– Candle Making

– Chipboard Manufacturing

– Match Production

– Leather Industry

– Canvas Weaving

– Shoe Polish

Price of Paraffin Wax

The price of paraffin wax depends on various factors. This substance is produced in different grades, such as food, industrial, and cosmetic, each with its own specific features and applications. These grades are determined based on purity levels, additive compositions, and the final product’s intended use, influencing the final price. Flashpoint or ignition point is another critical factor in determining the price of paraffin. The higher the flashpoint, the better the quality and safety of the product, leading to a higher price.

The type of packaging for paraffin wax also affects its price. Various packaging types include block molds, polyethylene bags, and paper packages, each with different costs.

Factors such as market conditions, supply and demand, production costs, and transportation also impact the price of petroleum wax. Faraz Oil Company, by offering high-quality products at competitive prices, is one of the best options for purchasing paraffin wax.

 Faraz Oil: The Best Producer of Paraffin Wax

Our Company is one of the leading producers of petroleum wax in Iran. Utilizing modern technologies and high-quality raw materials, this company produces products that meet international standards. Purchasing paraffin wax from Faraz Oil is recommended due to the high quality, reasonable prices, and excellent after-sales service. With a team of skilled and experienced professionals, Faraz Oil is always striving to meet its customers’ needs in the best possible way.Follow us on Instagram

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