How Is Parafilm Made?
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What Parafilm Is
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Parafilm is a flexible thermoplastic that can come in sheet form with interesting characteristics, according to Tom Volkening of the Engineering Library at Michigan State University. It is waterproof, water resistant, completely stretchable, moldable and self-adhering. Its sealing properties make it a top choice in lab settings and in horticultural settings. Parafilm.com has begun to sell a floral stem wrap made of the substance.
Parafilm's Use
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Because Parafilm can mold around curves and fit in any corner, it is no surprise that its main use is in a laboratory setting. It can be used to seal test tubes, beakers and any shape of storage container. According to SPI Supplies, a Parafilm manufacturer, it has been adopted into the hospital supply closet. Making an excellent bandage cover, Parafilm is now being used by doctors and nurses when applying medical aid. In the form of a budding tape, horticulturists use Parafilm to help retain moisture in plant stems. It has also been proven effective in fungus prevention due to its water-resistant abilities.
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Composition
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While the actual composition of Parafilm is not released by the manufacturer, Volkening describes it as being a blend of Olefin-type materials. Olefin is a product made of propylene and ethylene gases. Olefin can be formed into a thick fiber and shares identical properties to that of Parafilm. An added wax-like material coats Parafilm, which accounts for its high temperature resistance.
How's It Made?
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Parafilm fibers are created through a polymerization process. Polymerization involves molecules called monomers and polymers. Monomers, or single molecules, react with each other to create a polymer (or many molecule) chain. In Parafilm, the specific process is referred to as a chain-growth reaction which is broken down into three stages. In initiation, an activating agent is introduced to the monomer to start polymerization. Next is the propagation stage, when the actual molecule chain is created. Molecules bond in an effort to build the chain. Termination occurs when the free molecules bond and end the polymerization process, thus creating the strong, sturdy and pliable Parafilm.
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