Paraffin wax
Paraffin wax (PW, Petroleum Wax, Candle Wax, Mineral Wax) is a white or colorless, odorless hydrocarbon wax derived from petroleum refining. It is solid at room temperature but melts easily, making it ideal for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. Paraffin wax is commonly available in fully refined and semi-refined grades, differing mainly in oil content and purity. Fully refined paraffin wax contains less than 0.5% oil, offering high stability and clarity, while semi-refined wax contains slightly more oil, making it softer and better suited for certain industrial uses.
This versatile material is widely used in candle manufacturing, where it burns cleanly and evenly, and in cosmetics, such as lotions and lip balms, for its emollient properties and smooth texture. In the packaging industry, paraffin wax is used as a moisture barrier coating on paper and cardboard. It also plays a role in food applications as a coating for fruits and cheeses, and in industrial settings for lubricants, electrical insulation, and rubber compounding. Its thermal properties make it useful in phase change materials for heat storage and temperature regulation.
Paraffin wax is valued not only for its functionality but also for being cost-effective and easy to process. Whether used for aesthetic, protective, or technical purposes, it remains a key material across a broad spectrum of industries.
Fully Refined Paraffin Wax is a high-purity petroleum-based wax that has been thoroughly processed to remove impurities, color, and odor. It contains less than 0.5% oil content, making it harder, more stable, and more translucent than semi-refined wax. This level of refinement results in a wax with excellent chemical stability, low reactivity, and consistent melting points—typically between 58°C and 66°C—depending on the specific grade.
Due to its purity and smooth texture, fully refined paraffin wax is widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, where safety and cleanliness are critical. It serves as a base for creams, ointments, and balms, offering moisture retention and a soothing effect on the skin. It’s also used in food packaging, particularly for coating cheese and fruit or as a release agent in baking applications, as it complies with food-grade standards in many cases.
Beyond personal care and food uses, fully refined paraffin wax is essential in high-quality candle production, offering a clean burn, minimal smoke, and excellent scent throw when mixed with fragrances. It’s also employed in electrical insulation, hot-melt adhesives, rubber compounding, and precision casting. Thanks to its clarity, low oil content, and consistent performance, fully refined paraffin wax is a preferred material in industries that demand both purity and reliability.
Semi Refined Paraffin Wax is a type of paraffin wax that contains a slightly higher oil content than fully refined grades—typically ranging from 0.5% to 1.5%. While it undergoes partial purification, it retains some natural color and odor, making it less transparent and softer than fully refined wax. Despite this, semi refined paraffin wax still offers good stability, moisture resistance, and processability, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial and commercial uses.
This wax is commonly used in candle manufacturing, especially for utility or decorative candles where ultra-high purity isn’t necessary. It is also widely used in match production, polish and wax formulations, textile finishing, and rubber processing. In the packaging industry, it acts as a coating to provide water resistance and a smooth finish on paper or cardboard products. Its slightly higher oil content makes it more pliable and easier to blend with additives or other waxes.
Semi refined paraffin wax is valued for being cost-effective while still offering reliable performance in non-critical applications. It provides a balance between quality and affordability, making it an ideal choice for industries that need the functional benefits of paraffin wax without the higher cost associated with fully refined grades.
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