paraffiner

Paraffin, or paraffins, is a family of saturated hydrocarbons in the alkane series, commonly derived from petroleum. The term covers both solid and liquid forms, most notably paraffin wax and liquid paraffin (paraffin oil). Paraffins include a broad range of carbon chain lengths, typically from about C10 to C40 in refined products. They are chemically inert, non-polar, and have low water solubility.

Paraffin wax is a solid material obtained from heavier petroleum fractions through refining and dewaxing. It has a variable hardness and a melting point that generally lies in the range of about 46 to 68 degrees Celsius, depending on composition and additives. Liquid paraffin is a light mineral oil used as a lubricant, solvent, or carrier in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Production and processing: Paraffins are produced during petroleum refining through distillation and subsequent treatment to separate waxy, high-boiling fractions. Some paraffins are produced or altered by hydroprocessing or isomerization to achieve desired physical properties. Synthetic paraffins can also be manufactured via processes such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.

Uses: Paraffin wax is widely used in candles, coatings, cosmetics, pharmaceutical bases, and as an embedding medium in histology. Liquid paraffin serves as a lubricant, a base for creams and ointments, and a carrier in various industrial formulations. Paraffin wax is also employed in electrical insulation and heat-retention applications.

Safety and environment: Paraffins are generally of low acute toxicity but are flammable and can produce smoke or fumes when burned. Handling hot wax requires care to prevent burns. Because they are petroleum-derived, they pose typical hydrocarbon environmental considerations, including non-biodegradability concerns and the need for controlled disposal.