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Questions and Answers
What is the typical melting point of paraffin wax?
Why is paraffin wax often used in cosmetics?
What is a key safety consideration when working with paraffin wax?
What is a benefit of using paraffin wax in packaging?
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What is paraffin wax also known as?
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What is a characteristic of paraffin wax?
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Study Notes
What is Paraffin Wax?
- A white, odorless, and translucent wax derived from petroleum
- Also known as petroleum wax or mineral wax
Properties:
- Melting point: 120-140°F (49-60°C)
- Density: 0.9 g/cm³
- Insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents
- Non-reactive and non-corrosive
Uses:
- Candle making: Used as a primary component in candle production due to its high melting point and durability
- Cosmetics: Used in skincare products, such as lotions, creams, and lip balms, due to its emollient and moisturizing properties
- Food packaging: Used as a coating for paper and cardboard to prevent moisture absorption
- Industrial applications: Used as a lubricant, electrical insulator, and in the manufacture of paper, textiles, and rubber
Benefits:
- Water resistance: Provides a barrier against moisture, making it ideal for packaging and cosmetic applications
- Stability: Remains solid at room temperature, making it suitable for use in candle making and other applications
- Cost-effective: A relatively inexpensive wax compared to other types of wax
Safety Considerations:
- Flammable: Can ignite at high temperatures, requiring proper handling and storage
- Skin and eye irritation: May cause skin and eye irritation in rare cases, requiring proper handling and use of protective equipment
What is Paraffin Wax?
- A white, odorless, and translucent wax derived from petroleum, also known as petroleum wax or mineral wax.
Properties
- Melts at a temperature of 120-140°F (49-60°C).
- Has a density of 0.9 g/cm³.
- Insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents.
- Non-reactive and non-corrosive.
Uses
- Primary component in candle production due to its high melting point and durability.
- Used in skincare products (lotions, creams, lip balms) for its emollient and moisturizing properties.
- Coating for paper and cardboard to prevent moisture absorption in food packaging.
- Used as a lubricant, electrical insulator, and in the manufacture of paper, textiles, and rubber in industrial applications.
Benefits
- Provides a barrier against moisture, making it ideal for packaging and cosmetic applications.
- Remains solid at room temperature, making it suitable for use in candle making and other applications.
- Relatively inexpensive wax compared to other types of wax.
Safety Considerations
- Can ignite at high temperatures, requiring proper handling and storage.
- May cause skin and eye irritation in rare cases, requiring proper handling and use of protective equipment.
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Description
Learn about the properties and applications of paraffin wax, a white, odorless, and translucent wax derived from petroleum.
