What Is Paraffin Wax Used For?
Paraffin wax is the solid form of paraffin, which is a white, odorless, tasteless solid that is waxy in texture. Although paraffin itself comes in a variety of forms (at its simplest this includes methane gas), its most common use is as a solid. Its two chief properties are that it is largely non-reactive, and that it burns at a slow, steady rate.
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Candlemaking
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One of the most common uses for paraffin wax is in making candles. The majority of candles manufactured use paraffin, and it is also used in Jewish menorahs.
Waxed Coating
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Waxed papers and cloth are also made with paraffin wax. The wax is ideal for using on wax baking paper because it is edible even though the body will not digest it.
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Cheeses and Other Foods
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Certain cheeses, such as Edam and other hard cheese, require a coating of wax. Paraffin is also used to seal jars, cans or bottles when preserving foods, and is used in chewing gum and certain candies.
Surf and Snow
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Paraffin is also used in both surfwax and glidewax. The former is used on surfboards, the latter on skis and snowboards, and it reduces the surface friction of the surfboards, skis and snowboards. This is also why it is used by skateboarders on handrails.
Crayons and Paintballs
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As a thickening agent, paraffin is used in the manufacture of paintballs. It is also used by Crayola as a principle component of its crayons, in part because it is nontoxic.
Bullets, Rockets and Gunpowder
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Paraffin wax also has many other uses, from testing for gunpowder residue in forensics to bullet lubricant, to hybrid-rocket fuel. It also has uses in industrial manufacturing in thermostats, actuators, and in preventing rust on polished steel and iron.
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