Powerful Paraffin

PARAFFIN

Paraffin is a colourless/white soft solid. Derived from coal, oil shale or petroleum, and comprising of numerous kinds of hydrocarbon molecules that contain around 20 to 40 carbon atoms. Paraffin is a solid at normal room temperature. It begins melting at 37.2°C and boiling point starts just below 371.1°C.

Normally exists as an odourless, waxy, tasteless, and white sold that is high in density. Water insoluble but readily soluble in benzene, ether, and some esters. Even though most used chemical reagents are unable to affect; it burns readily. Paraffin is made by extracting the oil out of slack wax.

Paraffin is added to some food products to help protect from mould. Cheese is covered with paraffin to give extra protection. It is used for coating wrapping paper and used with different kinds of food items and is also used to make chewing gum. Added to citrus fruits to extend their life, increasing their shine, and helping retain their moisture. Also applied to matchsticks for regulating their burning. Prevents micro-organisms and moisture from entering food items. Protects against fungus and mould.

The textile industry uses paraffin for protecting fibres against friction. Providing fabric with a nice finish, shine, flexibility, elasticity, and softness. It is also used for polishing and protecting as well as lubricating the surface of a ski-board. Added to chipboards to prevent moisture getting in and to prolong their longevity.

Added to varnishes and printing inks to remove their resistance against scratching and friction, also enhances their appearance and protects them against corrosion.

And now for the Science-y stuff!

· High density of approx. 900kg/m3

· Heat combustion of approx. 42kj/g

· Paraffin is a great electrical insulator and has a resistivity of 11013-1017ohm/metre. This makes it better than all materials except Teflon. Paraffin is a remarkably effective neutron moderator.

· Having a specific heat capacity of 2.14Jg-1K-7, it makes it a great heat storing material. Heat fusion range is 200-220Jg-1.

An important application of paraffin is in the candle making industry, as you may already know, or will discover over time. It is a very safe natural product, which makes it a great raw material for crafting candles.