Classification and Application of Paraffin Wax

Ⅰ. The classification of paraffin wax

According to the degree of processing and refining, it can be divided into three types: fully refined paraffin wax, semi-refined paraffin wax and crude paraffin wax. Each type of wax is divided into different varieties according to the melting point, generally every 2 ℃, such as 52, 54, 56, 58 and other brands. Crude paraffin wax has a high oil content and is mainly used in the manufacture of matches, fiberboard, and canvas.

1. Microcrystalline paraffin wax

Micro crystal wax is mainly composed of chain hydrocarbons, naphthenic hydrocarbons and some linear hydrocarbons, and the molecular weight range is about 500-1000. This is a relatively fine crystal, which is soluble in non-polar solvents and insoluble in polar solvents.

2. Liquid paraffin wax

There are many types of liquid paraffin wax and their lubricating effects are also different. In the early stage of extrusion processing, paraffin wax has good lubricating effect and good thermal stability. However, due to poor compatibility, the product tends to become sticky when the dosage is too large.

3. Polyethylene wax

Polyethylene wax refers to low molecular weight polyethylene or partially oxidized low molecular weight polyethylene with a molecular weight of 1500-25000. It is in the form of granules, white powder, lumps and milky white wax. It has excellent fluidity, electrical properties and mold release.

4. Semi refined paraffin wax

It is a granular white solid whose relative density increases with the rise of melting point. The product has good chemical stability, moderate oil content, good moisture-proof, insulating properties and good plasticity.

Candles produced from semi-refined paraffin wax have a concentrated flame. There is no smoke, and no tears. Semi refined paraffin wax is used to make candles, crayons, wax paper, general telecommunication equipment, short circuit, light industry and chemical raw materials, etc.

5. Chlorinated paraffin wax

Chlorinated paraffin wax is golden yellow or amber viscous liquid. It is non-flammable, non-explosive and extremely volatile. It is soluble in most organic solvents and insoluble in water and ethanol.

When heated to above 120℃, it slowly decomposes by itself. Chlorinated paraffin wax can release hydrogen chloride gas, and oxides of metals such as iron and zinc will promote its decomposition. Chlorinated paraffin wax is an auxiliary plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride.

It has low volatility, non-flammable, odorless and non-toxic. This product replaces a part of the main plasticizer, which can reduce the cost of the product and reduce flammability. It is mainly used for PVC cable material and water pipe, floor material, film, artificial leather, etc.

Ⅱ. The main use of paraffin wax

Because of its high oil content, crude paraffin wax is mainly used in the manufacture of matches, fiberboards, tarpaulins, etc. After adding polyolefin additives to paraffin wax, its melting point is increased so that its adhesion and flexibility are increased. It is widely used in moisture-proof and waterproof packaging paper, cardboard, surface coating of certain textiles and candle production.

After immersing the paper in paraffin wax, various wax papers with good waterproof performance can be prepared, which can be used in food, medicine and other packaging, metal rust prevention and the printing industry.

After paraffin wax is added to cotton yarn, it can make textiles soft, smooth and elastic. Paraffin wax can also be used to make detergents, emulsifiers, dispersants, plasticizers, greases, etc.

Fully refined paraffin wax and semi-refined paraffin wax are widely used, mainly used as components and packaging materials for food, oral medicines and certain commodities, and coating materials for baking containers. It can be used for fruit preservation, electrical component insulation, improving rubber anti-aging and increasing flexibility, etc. It can also be used for oxidation to generate synthetic fatty acids.

As a latent heat energy storage material, paraffin wax has the advantages of large latent heat of phase transition, small volume change during solid-liquid phase transition, good thermal stability, no supercooling phenomenon, low price and so on.