Paraffin Wax Definition

Paraffin is a waxy substance made from distilling a complex mixture of decomposed organic matter. Both decomposed plant and animal materials can be used to make paraffin although it can also be derived from certain types of stones and other elements (alkane series hydrocarbons) like coal, petroleum (crude) and shale oil. Once reduced, paraffin has a translucent, nearly colorless quality, and it is almost odor free. It has a somewhat greasy texture and it is not water soluble.

History

In 1830, French chemist Auguste Laurent, obtained the first sample of paraffin from distilling bituminous shale. According to Raymond Bacon and William Hamor's 1918 book, "The American Petroleum Industry," within three years Laurent recommended obtaining paraffin from the Autun shale in Saône-et-Loeur, France, and nearly a hundred years later paraffin was still being obtained from that source.

Significance

Paraffin made the production of high-quality candles inexpensive, but this occurred just before technology developed kerosene lamps so the success of paraffin wax candles was short-lived. While paraffin continues to be produced today, it is now one of many types of distilled hydrocarbon products.

Food-Grade Paraffin Wax

Paraffin is commonly used as the outer coating on cheese to protect the quality during transport and storage. This is particularly true for cheeses that are exported from where they are manufactured. It is also used in the manufacture of some types of chocolate, often to harden the outer shell so that a candy center is somewhat protected. This type of wax is a food-grade paraffin and it is not digestible, and will pass straight through the digestive tract.

Spa Treatments and Other Uses

Paraffin wax is also used in spa treatments including: manicures, pedicures, massages, baths and body wraps. The wax doesn't penetrate the skin but is favored for aiding in the moisturizing and soothing of hands and feet. It is used in some dye processes, such as batik, to impregnate fabric such that the dye will not be able to reach those fibers that have been waxed.

Historical Uses

According to P. Higgs, in his 1934 paper read before the Institute of Petroleum Technologists, paraffin can be used as: electrical insulation, aqueous emulsion in the sizing of paper, as a size in the weaving of cotton, as a gloss for the laundering industry, as an ingredient in polishes, and as a proofing agent for porous materials.