Paraffin Wax Production
Paraffin wax is white or colorless soft or solid material that consists of a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules containing between twenty and forty carbon atoms. Common applications for paraffin wax include lubrication, electrical insulation, and candles; dyed paraffin wax can be made into crayons.
Other uses of paraffin wax:
- Candle-making
- Wax carving
- Coatings for waxed paper or cloth
- Food-grade paraffin wax:
- Shiny coating used in candy-making; although edible, it is nondigestible, passing right through the body without being broken down
- Coating for many kinds of hard cheese, like Edam cheese
- Sealant for jars, cans, and bottles
- Chewing gum additive
- Investment casting
- Anti-caking agent, moisture repellent, and dustbinding coatings for fertilizers
- Agent for preparation of specimens for histology
- Bullet lubricant – with other ingredients, such as olive oil and beeswax
- Phlegmatizing agent, commonly used to stabilize/desensitize high explosives such as RDX
- Solid propellant for hybrid rocket motors
- Component of surfwax, used for grip on surfboards in surfing
- Component of glide wax, used on skis and snowboards
- Friction-reducer, for use on handrails and cement ledges, commonly used in skateboarding
- Ink. Used as the basis for solid ink different color blocks of wax for thermal printers. The wax is melted and then sprayed on the paper producing images with a shiny surface
- Microwax: food additive, a glazing agent with E number E905
- Forensic investigations: the nitrate test uses paraffin wax to detect nitrates and nitrites on the hand of a shooting suspect
- Antiozonant agents: blends of paraffin and micro waxes are used in rubber compounds to prevent cracking of the rubber; the admixture of wax migrates to the surface of the product and forms a protective layer. The layer can also act as a release agent, helping the product separate from its mould.
- Mechanical thermostats and actuators, as an expansion medium for activating such devices
- "Potting" guitar pickups, which reduces microphonic feedback caused from the subtle movements of the pole pieces
- "Potting" of local oscillator coils to prevent microphonic frequency modulation in low end FM radios.
- Textile manufacturing processes, such as that used for Eisengarn thread.
- Wax baths for beauty and therapy purposes
- Thickening agent in many paintballs
- Moisturizer in toiletries and cosmetics such as Vaseline, though potentially comedogenic.
- Prevents oxidation on the surface of polished steel and iron
- Phase change material for thermal energy storage
- MESSENGER (Mercury spacecraft) When the spacecraft was unable to radiate excessive heat.
- Manufacture of boiled leather armor and books
- Skateboard wax
- Paraffin microactuator
- Neutron radiation shielding
- waterproofing agent for waxed cotton garments and commercially important in the early water proofing of ship sails.
(this list is provided by Wikipedia)