What is Paraffin Wax: From Crude Oil to Essential Industrial Material

Paraffin wax is not something you might think about every day, but this unassuming substance plays a surprisingly significant role in our lives. From candles flickering on our tables to the protective coating on our favourite cheese, paraffin wax is a widely used material across multiple industries, valued for its versatility, affordability, and functional properties. But what exactly is it, and how does it go from crude oil to an essential industrial ingredient?

This soft, colourless solid has been around for almost 200 years and now plays a key role in products we use every day. German scientist Carl Reichenbach created it back in 1830, and his discovery revolutionised candle-making technology. The wax comes from petroleum, coal, or oil shale and contains hydrocarbon molecules with 20 to 40 carbon atoms.

This article examines the production of paraffin wax, its diverse applications, safety considerations, and its environmental implications in contemporary manufacturing.

What is Paraffin Wax and How Is It Made?

Paraffin wax is a petroleum-derived material extracted through the refining of crude oil. It is a white or colourless soft, solid alkane hydrocarbon mixture derived from petroleum, coal, or shale oil. It's primarily composed of saturated hydrocarbons, making it solid at room temperature, and is known for its inert nature, lack of odour, and relatively low cost.

The journey of paraffin wax begins with crude oil. Here's a simplified overview of the production process:

1. Crude Oil Distillation: The first step involves separating petroleum components by isolating heavier wax-containing fractions. Crude oil is divided into different fractions through fractional distillation. This process separates the oil based on boiling points.
2. Solvent Dewaxing: This step involves removing unwanted oil content to refine the wax. A waxy fraction, containing paraffin wax, is extracted. This fraction undergoes a process called dewaxing, which involves chilling the oil to very low temperatures. This causes the wax to crystallise and separate from the oil.
3. Solvent Extraction: This step involves removing unwanted oil content to refine the wax. Solvents are used to separate the oil from the wax crystals.
4. Refining: The separated wax undergoes further refining processes, such as hydrotreating or clay treatment, to remove impurities, improve colour, and reduce odour.
5. Fractionation (Optional): This step involves further fractionation of the paraffin wax to adjust the hardness, melting point, and colour of the wax, based on industrial requirements.

The final product is a refined paraffin wax, ready for use in various industries.

Everyday Uses Across Industries

The versatility of paraffin wax stems from its properties, including a low melting point, water repellency, electrical insulation, and the ability to retain heat. Here are just a few of the many uses across different industries:

• Candle Making: This is likely its most well-known application. Paraffin wax provides the fuel for candles, offering a clean and reliable burn.
• Food Industry: The food industry uses paraffin wax both as a preservative and enhancer. Food-grade paraffin creates a protective barrier against microorganisms while keeping products like cheese and fruit moist. Cheese coated with paraffin wax retains its freshness and flavour for longer, and resists mould growth. It also extends the shelf life of fruit and vegetables because the coating controls moisture loss and gas exchange.
• Cosmetics and Personal Care: Beauty and personal care products benefit from paraffin wax's ability to be absorbed quickly into the skin. It acts as a thickener and emollient in lotions, creams, lipsticks, and other cosmetic products and is valued for its ability to create a protective barrier on the skin.
• Packaging: When applied to paper and cardboard packaging, paraffin wax coatings offer water resistance and enhance durability.
• Textiles: It is used here to lubricate threads, facilitating their use in sewing and weaving machines.
• Rubber Industry:Paraffin wax is used as a releasing agent in the manufacturing of rubber products.
• Investment Casting:Paraffin wax is used to create precise patterns for investment casting, a process that produces intricate metal parts.
• Pharmaceuticals and Medical: Since the 1950s, paraffin wax has been prescribed to patients with arthritis. The wax retains heat exceptionally well, making it perfect for heat therapy. It helps ease muscle and joint pain, improves circulation, and reduces inflammation. Medical professionals use paraffin wax in burn and wound dressings. Paraffin gauze dressings create a gentle first layer that soothes and protects wounds while allowing drainage. The pharmaceutical industry also values paraffin wax, which is used in ointments, coatings for pills, and therapeutic formulations.
• Heat Therapy:Paraffin wax baths are used in physical therapy to soothe aching joints and muscles.
• Rubber and Tyre Industry: Paraffin wax acts as an anti-ageing agent, preventing cracking and extending product lifespan.
• Electrical Insulation: The electrical insulation properties of paraffin wax make it an ideal choice for use in transformers and cables, providing thermal stability and a protective layer.
• Professional Fire Performers: Fire breathers and fire eaters specifically choose ultra-pure paraffin oil for its purity and reliable performance because it burns cleanly for long periods.

Its low cost and ease of production make paraffin wax an essential industrial material across numerous sectors.

Safety, Toxicity, and Environmental Impact

Generally, paraffin wax is considered safe for most applications. The refined paraffin wax used in food and cosmetic products undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets safety standards. However, safety and environmental implications are essential considerations.

• Safety:

  When handled correctly, paraffin wax is generally safe. However, it is flammable and can cause burns if it melts and comes into contact with the skin. Care should always be taken when working with molten wax. Inhalation risks arise from extended exposure to unrefined paraffin fumes. Workplace safety still requires attention. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends limiting exposure to paraffin wax fumes to 2 mg/m³. Long-term exposure can lead to breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and nausea.

• Toxicity:

  Paraffin wax is considered to be of low toxicity. Pure, unburned paraffin wax poses no toxic risks. Paraffin candles release potentially harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene into the air as they burn. The American Cancer Society recognises these as known carcinogens. Prolonged or excessive inhalation of fumes from burning paraffin wax, especially if poorly ventilated, could cause respiratory irritation. It also causes indoor air pollution. These are all significant health threats.

• Environmental Impact:

  The environmental aspect of paraffin wax production raises some red flags. This petroleum byproduct depletes non-renewable resources. Additionally, the production process contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and poses a potential risk to environmental pollution. While it is biodegradable under certain conditions, the breakdown process can be a slow one.

Thus, while petroleum wax remains useful in many applications, natural wax alternatives are worth trying.

Wrap-up

In summary, paraffin wax is a hydrocarbon mixture derived from crude oil, coal, or shale oil. Produced through distillation, dewaxing, solvent extraction, and refining processes, its unique properties, such as low melting point, water repellency, and electrical insulation, make it invaluable in various industries, from candle making to food preservation.

While it is generally considered safe when handled correctly, its production has environmental implications.

Without doubt, paraffin wax shows human creativity at its best. It converts potential waste into a substance with numerous real-life applications. This remarkable material's story demonstrates how industrial byproducts can become vital elements in various sectors, ranging from medicine to food preservation. It also reminds us to weigh its utility value against growing environmental concerns.

However, it is essential to be mindful of its origins as a non-renewable resource and the potential environmental impact of its production and disposal. As we move towards a more sustainable future, research and development into bio-based and renewable alternatives to paraffin wax are gaining momentum.