Paraffin Wax CAS 8002-74-2

Introduction to Paraffin Wax

Paraffin Wax consists of straight-chain and branched saturated hydrocarbons extracted from petroleum distillates. The carbon chain length typically ranges from C20 to C40. Candle makers and plastic compounders rely on it for clean combustion, low melt viscosity, and excellent moisture barrier properties.

Fully refined grades contain less than 0.5% oil, ensuring no smoking or odor during candle burning. The main handling challenge is temperature control. Stacking heavy pallets in a hot warehouse causes the bottom slabs to fuse together into a solid block, while direct sunlight triggers UV degradation and yellowing. Always store pallets in shaded, ventilated areas.

Key Features of Paraffin Wax

• Low oil content: Fully refined grades keep oil below 0.5%, preventing wick clogging and smoke in container candles.
• Sharp melting transition: The narrow melting range allows precise control during hot-melt coating and PVC extrusion.
• High Saybolt color: A +30 color rating guarantees bright white slabs without the need for heavy optical brightener loading.
• Excellent moisture barrier: The non-polar hydrocarbon structure blocks water vapor transmission in paper and cardboard packaging.

Paraffin Wax Chemical & Physical Properties

Applications of Paraffin Wax

Candle manufacturing: Acts as the primary fuel source and structural matrix. Fully refined 58-60 °C grades provide rigid pillars, while softer blends suit container candles. Formulators often add Anatase Titanium Dioxide to achieve opaque white colors and Stearic Acid to increase hardness and opacity. Typical loading is 70-90% of the wax blend.

PVC external lubricant: Reduces friction between the polymer melt and the extruder barrel. Adding 0.1-0.5 phr improves output rates and prevents melt fracture in pipe and profile extrusion without delaying fusion time.

Hot melt adhesives and coatings: Lowers melt viscosity and sets rapidly upon cooling. Blends with EVA resins and tackifiers at 20-40% loading to formulate packaging seals and bookbinding glues.

Storage & Safety Precautions for Paraffin Wax

• Storage and heat management: Keep pallets in a dry, shaded warehouse below 35 °C (95 °F). Paraffin Wax softens near 45 °C (113 °F). Stacking heavy bags on top of each other in summer causes the bottom layers to fuse into a solid mass. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent UV-induced yellowing.
• Safety and dust control: The solid wax is non-hazardous (Non-DG) for transport. However, fine wax dust generated during pellet grinding or slab cutting can form explosive mixtures in air. Ground all milling equipment and maintain dust collection systems. Molten wax causes severe thermal burns; wear heat-resistant gloves when handling dipping vats.
• Field note: When testing penetration or melting point, ensure the sample is fully melted and cooled at a controlled rate. Rapid cooling traps amorphous structures, skewing the penetration needle reading and giving false hardness data.

Paraffin Wax FAQ

Q: Why does my Paraffin Wax candle crack after cooling?

A: Cracking happens when Paraffin Wax cools too fast, creating internal stress. Pour at lower temperatures or pre-heat containers. Adding 3-5% Stearic Acid improves flexibility and prevents shrinkage cracks.

Q: What is the difference between fully refined and semi-refined Paraffin Wax?

A: Fully refined Paraffin Wax (CAS 8002-74-2) has an oil content below 0.5% and a Saybolt color of +30, making it odorless for candles. Semi-refined Paraffin Wax contains up to 1.5% oil and has a lower color grade, suiting industrial applications.

Q: Can Paraffin Wax be used as an internal lubricant in PVC?

A: No, Paraffin Wax is strictly an external lubricant. It migrates to the melt surface to reduce metal friction but does not interact with PVC chains. For internal lubrication to lower melt viscosity, use oxidized PE wax instead of Paraffin Wax.