Paraffin wax grades are achieved from the slack wax dewaxing process. These grades are classified into 3 types based on the oil content.
- Fully-refined paraffin wax
- Semi-refined paraffin wax
- Crude paraffin wax
Generally, paraffin wax with less oil has higher quality and more transparency.
In the below, you can read more details about the different types of paraffin wax, their uses and specifications.
Fully-Refined Paraffin Wax
Fully-refined paraffin wax is a solid, white, very hard crystalline material that cannot be changed easily. It has a low oil content (less than 0.5%) with a high melting point and good physical stability. Because of its low oil content, this is the best grade of paraffin wax.
Fully-refined paraffin wax is treated with water or clay to remove impurities and colorants. So it is free of odor and water.
This material has non-sticky, non-greasy, waterproof, and moisture-proof properties. It can be dissolved in benzene, ether, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, carbon disulfide, petroleum, fixed oil, and turpentine.
Fully-Refined Paraffin Wax Specification
| Fully Refined Paraffin Wax (0.5% ) Oil Content | ||
|---|---|---|
| Test | Test Method | Result |
| Oil Content | ASTM D 721 | Max 0.23% |
| Flash Point | ASTM D 92 | Minimum 250 ◦C |
| Melting Point | ASTM D 87 | 67 ◦C |
| Congealing Point | ASTM D 938 | 66.8 ◦C |
| Color | IP 17 Method A 2 Cell | 0.1 Y |
| Kinematic Viscosity @ 100 c | ASTM D 445 | 6.2 cSt |
| Refractive Index @ 90 c | – | 1.43177 |
| Needle Penetration | ASTM D 1321 | 14 (0.1 mm ) |
Fully-Refined Paraffin Wax Uses
- Fully-refined paraffin wax is used for wide applications. Due to its unique features mentioned above and its high quality, it is the only grade that can be used for medicinal and food purposes.
- In the food industry, it is utilized in cooking and frying oils, coating chocolates, polishing fruits, cheese-coating, paper cups, and packaging food.
- In the pharmaceutical industry, paraffin wax is used to coat tablets.
- Fully-refined paraffin wax is applied in the candle-making industry to make high-quality candles and decorative candles.
- Based on its high purity and non-toxicity, fully-refined paraffin wax is used in cosmetics and health industries. For example, it is helpful for producing cream, skin masks, face wash, mascara, lipstick, and other hand and foot oils.
Visit What is paraffin Wax? post to know about its origin, composition and tests.
Semi-Refined Paraffin Wax
Semi-refined paraffin wax is white, too hard, tasteless, odorless, and solid at room temperature. It has more than 1% oil content. Semi-refined paraffin wax has chemical stability, well flexibility, and good insulation. It is insoluble in water and alcohol.
Semi-refined paraffin wax is classified based on oil content into four grades:
- 1-2% oil content
- 2-4% oil content
- 3-5% oil content
- 5-7% oil content
In addition, in another classification, semi-refined paraffin wax is divided into two types:
- Light grade which has 1-3% oil content
- Heavy grade which has 5-7% oil content
If the oil content of semi-refined paraffin wax is less, the quality is higher. Also, it is whiter and harder.
Semi-Refined Paraffin Wax Specifications
In the below, the specifications of different types of semi-refined paraffin wax are shown.
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Semi-Refined Paraffin Wax Uses
In the following, the wide uses of semi-refined paraffin wax in various industries have been discussed:
Applications in the Paper Industry
– Paraffin waxes for impregnation
The structure of the paper should not adsorb moisture. By impregnating the paper with additives, it can become waterproof. These additives, which are used in paper production include paraffin wax and polymers.
– Paraffin waxes in coatings
In coating, a film is formed on the surface of the paper. One of the materials used in the coating is paraffin wax, which gives a gloss, light color, hardness, and transparency to the paper.
- Paraffin waxes for lamination
- Paraffin waxes as additives to paper sizes
Applications in Cosmetics
- Cosmetic creams
- Solid perfumes
- Beauty masks
- Protective creams for industrial workers
- Facial care and beauty products
- Hair preparations
- Antiperspirants
Applications in Household Chemicals
- Polishes with paraffin wax as an additive
- Candles
Various applications
- The match industry
- The rubber industry
- Precision casting
- The manufacture of refractory ceramics
- The electrical industry
Crude Paraffin Wax
Crude paraffin wax is not completely refined. It has high oil content (more than 7% oil content), so the color of this product is dark. Its structure is soft and brittle.
Crude paraffin wax has a low melting point, good thermal stability, toughness and shrinkage. By adding polyolefin additives to crude paraffin wax, its melting point can be increased.
Crude Paraffin Wax Uses
Crude paraffin wax is utilized to make matches, fiberboard, and canvas.
It can be widely used in moisture-proof and waterproof packaging paper, cardboard, surface coating of textiles, and candle production.
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