Paraffin

Paraffin wax, also known as petroleum wax, is a white, translucent, tasteless, and odorless solid material that has various uses such as in manufacturing of candles and medical uses.It does not have a definite composition, but is a linked chain of hydrocarbons. The molecular formula is CnH2n+2.

Properties
Paraffin wax is a complex combination of solid straight-chain hydrocarbons. It is colorless or white, and somewhat translucent. It is also odorless and tasteless. It is distinguished from the microcrystalline wax which is also derived from petroleum by its large, well formed crystals

The physical state of paraffin wax is highly dependent upon factors like temperature and pressure. The length of the longest, uninterrupted linear alkane constituent also determines the physical properties. Paraffin waxes with high molecular weight can be hard and brittle, whereas paraffin waxes with lower molecular weight are generally malleable. The melting point depends on how well the molecules fit into a crystal lattice; increased content of longer, heavier alkanes increase the melting point, whereas increased branched alkane content decreases the melting point.

Synthesis


Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum hence its other name, petroleum wax. Paraffin wax precipitates readily from petroleum on chilling. Technical progress has served only to make the separations and filtration more efficient and economical.

Slack wax, a mixture of oil and wax, is refined from lubricating oil. It is refined further to obtain petroleum wax. The first step of the refinery operation is crystallization in which the slack wax is heated, mixed with solvent and then cooled. Through this process, wax is crystallized and oil is left out in solution. To separate the wax, the solution is filtered by rotary drum filters through two or three stages. The solvent-free wax is decolored and deodorized by a vacuum stripping tower. Fully refined paraffin waxes are blended together to give certain desired properties.

Uses
Paraffin waxes have a tendency to be brittle and therefore are not very useful for industrial purposes. One of the oldest uses of paraffin wax is candles. Paraffin candles are the most common type of candles, having most fragrances and dyes formulated for them. Another common use of paraffin wax is the manufacturing of crayons. Liquid paraffin and ground pigment are mixed together to create colored crayons. Chewing gum also has a base of paraffin wax. After spruce gum of American Indians were sold commercially, they were gradually replaced by paraffin wax gum. Nowdays, sweetened and flavored paraffin wax is used in the production of chewing products.

Paraffin wax can be used as a treatment for arthritis by providing moist heat to hands or feet easing the pain and stiffness. Petroleum jelly, the main ingredient in vaseline, is made out of paraffin wax and is commonly used to cure dehydrated, flaky skin, rashes, etc. They are also used in spa treatments called paraffin pedicures in which paraffin wax is applied to the feet in order to moisturize the skin on the feet. It also serves as a thickener, or an emulsifier in cosmetics.

History
Paraffin wax was used as a medical treatment in the past. Romans were known to melt paraffin wax down and then apply it while still very warm to the body before giving a massage. French doctors used melted paraffin wax to protect wounds to help them heal and avoid infections. In World War I the British used the wax for orthopedic issues which was a treatment identified by Carl Reichnbach in the 1850s.

Mr. P. G Higgs traced the origin of the usage of paraffin wax to its discovery in 1830 in his paper "Utilization of Paraffin Wax and Petroleum Ceresin." Although its use was restricted for a long time, as time passed, its useful properties were universally acknowledged as of market value. Its combustibility, resistance to water, inertness, and good electrical properties allowed it to be used in variety of purposes.

Video
Video of performing hand spa (paraffin wax treatment)

bTTCErBVpG8